PRESS STATEMENT

BAT-IG Applauds President Tinubu as Over 1,000 Military Personnel Arrive Omu-Aran

13th August, 2026

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG) warmly appreciates and commends His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, for the swift and decisive security intervention in Kwara South, following the deployment of a battalion of the Nigerian Army, comprising over 1,000 military personnel, to Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

This development is a significant milestone in the collective effort to restore lasting peace, security and confidence across Kwara South.

It is particularly gratifying to us at BAT-IG because, on 13 May 2026, our group formally appealed to Mr. President for the establishment of either an Army/Nigerian Defence Academy or Police Academy training centre in Oke-Ode, Kwara South, as a strategic intervention to strengthen security, restore normalcy and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents to their ancestral communities.

In his characteristic magnanimity and responsive leadership, President Tinubu has gone beyond our immediate request by approving, on 23rd July 2026, about 11 weeks after our letter, the deployment of a full Army battalion to Omu-Aran, a location which, in our considered view, is even more strategic for providing effective security coverage across Kwara South and surrounding communities.

We commend the President for listening to the concerns of the people and for translating security concerns into concrete action.

We also commend the Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Nigerian Army leadership, the General Officer Commanding 9 Division/Joint Task Force Operation Savannah Shield, Major General Yakubu Yahaya, and the Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, for their roles in ensuring the swift deployment of the troops.

The arrival of these troops is not merely a military deployment; it is a powerful message of reassurance to our people that the Federal Government is responsive, hears them, sees them and is determined to protect them.

BAT-IG is confident that this intervention will strengthen the security architecture of Kwara South, boost the confidence of displaced communities, encourage the gradual return of our people to their ancestral homes and create a safer environment for economic and social activities to thrive.

We therefore fully own this achievement while giving the glory to God and expressing our profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive leadership.

This is Renewed Hope in action.

We urge our people to continue to support the security agencies and cooperate fully with the deployed personnel as they work to restore peace and protect lives and property across the region.

Kwara South is grateful. BAT-IG is grateful. Nigeria is grateful.

Signed:

Hon. Bamidele Atoyebi

National Convener

Bola Ahmed Tinubu Ideological Group (BAT-IG)