Nigerian Army Starts Operations in Kwara South

A Nigerian Army battalion has started operations in Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area in Kwara State. This move aims to boost security in the southern part of the state.

The Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA) shared this news in a statement from their Public Relations Officer, Lateef Oladipo, after the troops began their work.

The battalion is led by Kehinde Ajose and works under the 22 Armoured Brigade, which is commanded by Brigadier-General Nicolas Rume.

Mr Rume mentioned that President Bola Tinubu approved the deployment to enhance security and protect lives and property throughout Kwara South.

"The military personnel are in the area to stabilize the security situation, enhance peace and security, and decisively tackle criminal activities across Kwara South," he said.

He encouraged residents to support the troops and share information that could help their mission.

This deployment comes at a time when there are growing worries about kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of Kwara, especially in rural areas in the southern and eastern regions.

Recently, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Owa-Onire in Ifelodun Local Government Area was deserted due to repeated attacks by suspected bandits.

A video from policemen in the community showed empty houses, shops, and even the palace of the traditional ruler.

This situation followed reports of ongoing attacks and kidnappings that forced people to flee their homes for safety.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported that the traditional ruler of Olayinka in Ifelodun Local Government Area, Salman Aweda, was abducted. Sadly, Mr Aweda was later confirmed dead in captivity after his abductors demanded ₦21 million, two motorcycles, and petrol for his release.

These incidents have raised fears about how well security agencies can protect communities and farms in the affected areas.

The operation in Omu-Aran is part of a larger plan to increase the military's presence across Kwara.

On 11 August, PREMIUM TIMES learned that the Kwara State Government had approved five new Army battalions for the state.

The report stated that the existing brigade in Kwara would move to Bode Saadu, while another military team had gone to Patigi to find a spot for a new battalion.

The state government also mentioned that plans for a 9 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kwara were already in progress.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had earlier said that the deployment aimed to strengthen the state’s security system and tackle internal security problems.

"This is a call to duty. This is internal security. It is beyond the normal conventional warfare and the military is trained to adapt," Mr AbdulRazaq said, according to The Guardian.

The ODA president, Niyi Adeyeye, expressed gratitude to Mr Tinubu and Mr AbdulRazaq for their efforts to improve security in Kwara South.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, AbdulRaheem Adeoti, welcomed the deployment and promised the military the community’s support.

Lasisi Abidoye, a retired army major-general, praised the military for their recent efforts in the area and expressed faith that the troops would carry out their assignment successfully.

The ODA believes that the military presence will help improve security, boost economic activities, and encourage residents who left affected communities to return.