A new Nigerian Army battalion has commenced operations in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, with residents and traditional leaders pledging full support for its security mandate.
The development followed the deployment of the battalion to Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area as part of efforts to strengthen security across Kwara South.
Receiving the troops at the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, on Tuesday, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq praised President BolaTinubu for acting swiftly on the security needs of the state.
“We are here to welcome the troops. Our coming here is truly significant because when the Chief of Army Staff announced the deployment of brigades in Kwara we thought it is something that will take some time. We can see that they are now here hitting the ground running,” AbdulRazaq said.
The governor said another military team had moved to Pategi to identify a location for a new battalion base, adding that the troops deployed to Omu-Aran would be welcomed and supported by the state.
“These troops are going to Omu Aran. We welcome them to Kwara and appreciate what they are doing. We also appreciate the Commander-in-Chief of Nigerian Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu,” he said.
AbdulRazaq also welcomed the President’s approval of improved salaries and welfare packages for soldiers, describing the measure as important to the wellbeing and morale of personnel.
“Obviously, we came here with a welfare package to settle, but most significant is the approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in increasing their salaries and welfare packages, that is the major thing,” the governor said.
At a reception in Omu-Aran, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, said the community was ready to work with the military and provide the support needed for the battalion to operate effectively.
“I want to assure you that our support, especially in terms of the welfare of the battalion, will be 100%, by the grace of God. You will enjoy your stay in Omu-Aran,” the traditional ruler said.
He added, “We are together by the grace of God. The Lord who has brought us together has done so in peace, and we pray that this development will continue to bring blessings, security and progress to our communities.”
Oba Adeoti also expressed appreciation to the military authorities for retaining Omu-Aran as the location for the battalion.
The Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, Abdulazeez Yakub, assured the Army of the council’s cooperation in carrying out its responsibilities.
“On behalf of the people of Irepodun Local Government, I assure you of our full cooperation and support as you carry out your duties,” Yakub said.
President of the Omu-Aran Development Association, Prince Niyi Adeyeye, said the deployment would help strengthen peace and security in the community and other parts of Kwara South.
“We are particularly grateful to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for responding decisively to the security concerns of the people of Kwara South and Omu-Aran in particular,” Adeyeye said.
He described the deployment as “a significant demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians and restoring peace, confidence and economic stability to the communities.”
The ceremony attracted traditional rulers and community leaders, including the Alara of Aran Orin, Alaran of Arandun and Oloko of Oko Irese.
A retired General and community leader, Lasisi Abidoye, also assured the officers and soldiers of the community’s backing as they begin their assignment.
Speaking at the event, the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, said the deployment was part of the Federal Government’s directive to expand the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity across the country.
“It’s a very remarkable day for all of us, and we all know that as part of the President’s Strategic Directive, the Nigerian Army is expanding. The Chief of Army Staff, on his own part, to achieve his strategic vision, has deployed his battalion here to take care of security incidences in the whole of Kwara South,” Rume said.
He thanked residents for the reception given to the soldiers, saying the level of community backing would assist the Army in carrying out its assignment.
“I sincerely appreciate everybody for coming out. This is really surprising. I was just expecting to come and start cleaning our rooms and entering. We didn’t know that anything of this was being planned. So, thank you everybody for coming out,” he said.
Addressing the troops, Rume said the reception demonstrated the goodwill already enjoyed by the Army in the area.
“To my soldiers and officers out there, you can see the kind of support you already have on coming here. So I don’t think that the task would be difficult. When you have the people on your side, I think 75% of the job is done,” he said.