The Omu-Aran community in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has welcomed the take-off of a new Nigerian Army battalion, commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for strengthening security in Kwara South.
The welcome ceremony, held on Tuesday, brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, the local government chairman and residents, who expressed optimism that the new battalion would improve security across the area.
The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti, pledged the community’s full support for the troops under the command of Lt.-Col. Kehinde Avoseh.
The monarch assured the officers and soldiers that they would enjoy the cooperation and hospitality of the people, while also expressing appreciation to the military authorities for retaining Omu-Aran as the location of the battalion.
The Executive Chairman of Irepodun Local Government, Abdulazeez Yakub, similarly assured the Nigerian Army of the council’s cooperation and support as it carries out its security responsibilities.
President of the Omu-Aran Development Association, Prince Niyi Adeyeye, described the deployment as a significant response to security concerns in Omu-Aran and Kwara South.
He commended security agencies, local vigilantes and community security volunteers for their efforts in protecting residents, while also acknowledging Governor AbdulRazaq’s response to the security concerns of the people.
A retired General and community leader, Lasisi Abidoye, also commended the Federal and Kwara State Governments for facilitating the establishment of the battalion and pledged maximum community support for the troops.
Speaking at the event, Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Brig. Gen. Nicholas Rume, thanked residents for the warm reception.
He explained that the deployment formed part of the Federal Government’s directive to expand the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army, adding that the battalion was deployed to address security incidents across Kwara South.
The ceremony was attended by several traditional rulers and community leaders, including the Alara of Aran-Orin, Alaran of Arandun and Oloko of Oko-Irese.