President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat criminal activities in the North-Central region.

The development was announced on Monday by the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who described the approval as a major boost to ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, and the growing menace of kidnapping in the state.

According to the governor, the new military formation will significantly increase the deployment of troops and operational equipment to vulnerable communities, improve rapid response to security threats, and support coordinated operations aimed at flushing criminal elements from forests and other hideouts.

AbdulRazaq also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for facilitating the swift approval of the state's request for a stronger military presence.

The governor noted that the permanent battalion is expected to enhance security across Kwara and neighbouring states, following sustained calls by stakeholders, including the Nigerian Senate, for additional military formations to secure communities along the North-Central axis.

The approval is seen as part of the Federal Government's broader strategy to reinforce national security and curb the activities of criminal gangs threatening lives and property across the country.