Kwara governor welcomes troops to Omu-Aran battalion, says state will witness improved security

By Ola Taiwo

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has expressed confidence in improvement of security in the state with the deployment of military personnel to the newly established battalion in Omu-Aran town of the state.

The governor expressed the optimism when he welcomed the new troop to the state.

The battalion was recently created by President Bola Tinubu who has also approved establishment of a division of the Nigerian Army in Ilorin for  Kwara and Niger states in  light of the growing insecurity in the country.

Governor Abdulrazaq, who spoke with newsmen during a military parade held in his honour to receive the troops, said the deployment by the Nigerian Army was in line with President  Tinubu’s commitment to improving internal security across the country.

Abdulrazaq said the arrival of the troops demonstrated the seriousness attached to protecting residents and securing communities in the state.

“We came to address them and welcome them to Omu-Aran, appreciate what they are doing and appreciate the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

The governor disclosed that five new battalions had been approved for Kwara, while the brigade currently stationed in the state would be relocated to Bode Saadu.

He also welcomed the establishment of the division  describing the development as a major boost to the state’s security architecture.

He said that the appointment of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the new division and the presence of the military leadership in the state indicated that arrangements for the new formation were already taking shape.

The governor who said that another team of military personnel had visited Patigi to identify and prepare a suitable location for the establishment of another battalion assured the military of the state government’s cooperation, 

He said the state would provide the necessary support to enable the newly deployed troops and formations settle down and commence operations without hindrance.

The governor while noting that the foremost duty before the troops now has to do with internal security expressed belief that though this is not conventional warfare the military personnel would adapt and carry out the duty impressively.

“This is a call for duty. This is internal security. It is beyond the normal conventional warfare and the military is trained to adapt. We believe they will adapt and do their duty as needed,” he said.

Abdulrazaq expressed confidence that the expanded military presence would provide stronger protection for communities across the state.

“Everything is set to go. Kwara State is going to be protected completely by the military. We appreciate the deployment,” he said.

On the welfare of the newly deployed personnel, the governor said the state government had provided a welfare package to assist the troops in settling into their new environment.

He, however, described President Tinubu’s recent approval of improved salaries and welfare packages for military personnel as a more significant intervention capable of boosting the morale of officers and soldiers.

The governor said the state’s welfare package was only a modest contribution towards supporting the troops as they commence their security responsibilities in Omu-Aran.