The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of personnel and materials to Ikere-Ekiti for the operational takeoff of a new military formation aimed at enhancing security in Ekiti State.
The outgoing Commander of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, in Ado-Ekiti on Monday. He was accompanied by Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, the new Brigade Commander of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, along with Colonel Kyari Babakura, the Commanding Officer of the new Battalion and the Garrison Commander of 32 Brigade.
According to a statement by Special Adviser to the Governor Yinka Oyebode on Tuesday, the military delegation visited the new Nigerian Army Barracks in Ikere-Ekiti to assess its readiness for occupation.
Expressing satisfaction with the location, the Army chiefs assured the governor that deployment of personnel would begin immediately at the temporary base. However, they requested a larger temporary facility to accommodate the troops.
Major General Fadairo affirmed that the establishment of the 148 Battalion in Ekiti State would strengthen security, particularly in areas bordering Kogi and Ondo States, and urged residents to cooperate with the military to facilitate its operations.
Governor Oyebanji welcomed the development, describing it as a significant step towards enhancing security and making Ekiti a prime destination for residents, investors, and visitors. He assured the military of full collaboration, emphasising that his administration had made substantial investments in the state’s security architecture, which has earned Ekiti the reputation of being the most peaceful state in Nigeria.
“We are grateful to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for the approval to establish this Battalion in Ekiti State. We are grateful to the Army Command, under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff for doing this for us in the state. What you have done for us in Ekiti state is so dear to us. Ekiti state is peaceful, but we also have our own pockets of criminalities and the area where the battalion is sited is one of the most security challenged places in the state,” the governor said.
He reiterated that the Ekiti State government and the host community fully support the military presence, as shown by the immediate allocation of land for the project. “This is an effort that we will give maximum support to ensure its early takeoff,” he assured.
Governor Oyebanji also commended the professionalism of the Army in the state, noting their cordial relationship with the government and the people, even in difficult situations. He further praised the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts in tackling insecurity and insurgency nationwide.
