The outgoing Commander of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, has announced the imminent launch of a new Nigerian Army formation in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Fadairo disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ado-Ekiti on Monday. He stated that personnel and equipment would soon be deployed to the state to commence operations.
Accompanying Fadairo were the new Brigade Commander of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi; the Commanding Officer of the new battalion; and the Garrison Commander of the 32 Brigade, Colonel Kyari Babakura.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Yinka Oyebode, the delegation inspected the newly established army barracks in Ikere-Ekiti and expressed satisfaction with its location. They assured the governor that troops would be deployed to the temporary base immediately.
Fadairo highlighted that the establishment of the 148 Battalion in Ekiti would significantly enhance security in the state, particularly in border areas shared with Kogi and Ondo states. He called on residents to support the military in achieving its goal of tackling insecurity.
Governor Oyebanji welcomed the development, emphasizing its importance in reinforcing Ekiti’s reputation as a peaceful and secure state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with security agencies and commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and dedication.
Expressing gratitude to the military leadership, Oyebanji stated, “We appreciate the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for approving this battalion for Ekiti. The Army Command has done something significant for us. Though Ekiti is generally peaceful, we face security challenges in some areas, including the location of the new battalion. This initiative will receive our full support for a swift and successful takeoff.”
He further noted that the local community had readily provided land for the barracks, demonstrating their commitment to the project.
