Emir of Ilorin, others applaud Tinubu, Abdulrazaq for establishing Nigerian Army Division Headquarters in Kwara

Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the 9 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Emir described the decision as a landmark development that would significantly enhance national security, strengthen internal security operations, and improve the safety of lives and property in Kwara, neighbouring Niger State, and the wider North-Central region.

This was contained in a statement issued by Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir’s spokesman.

Sulu-Gambari said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to 12 divisions was a welcome development.

According to him, the establishment of the new division in Ilorin demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to decentralising command and control, strengthening border security, and ensuring faster military response to emerging security threats.

“This development will not only boost security in our dear state and the entire North-Central region, but will also create more opportunities for our youths and contribute to the socio-economic development of Kwara State,” he said.

The Emir also lauded Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, for his leadership and sustained commitment to ensuring peace and security across the state.

He prayed for the success of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, and assured the Federal Government of the continued support and cooperation of the Ilorin Emirate and the people of Kwara State.

The monarch urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies to enable the new division to effectively discharge its mandate of protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Similarly, the Gamji Association of Nigeria (GAMA), Kwara State Chapter, praised President Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 personnel.

GAMA, an association dedicated to promoting the ideals of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, described both approvals as timely and necessary for addressing the nation’s security challenges.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Tunde Akanbi, its President, and Abdullahi Olesin, Publicity Secretary, the association also commended the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, for his cooperation and support for President Tinubu in advancing people-centred policies and programmes.

The association expressed optimism that the expansion of the army divisions would strengthen security operations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“By these approvals, Mr. President has taken the bull by the horns in his avowed commitment to rid every nook and cranny of Nigeria of all forms of criminality, including banditry and terrorism,” the statement said.

It urged Nigerians to complement the government’s efforts by providing security agencies with credible and timely intelligence to enable them respond swiftly to threats.

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) also commended President Tinubu for approving the creation of the 9 Division of the Nigerian Army, with its headquarters in Ilorin.

The union described the development as one that would greatly benefit the country, particularly Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.

Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, the National President of the IEDPU, gave the commendation in a statement signed by the union’s Publicity Secretary, Suleiman Dagbo.

Abdulmalik also appreciated Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for working with the Presidency and other stakeholders to facilitate the siting of the division in Ilorin.

He congratulated the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, the people of Ilorin Emirate, and all residents of Kwara State on the development.

According to him, the establishment of the division would further strengthen the protection of lives and property in Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.

He equally thanked President Tinubu and Governor Abdulrazaq for the recent approval of an Army Battalion in Omu-Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Abdulmalik assured the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army of the continued support of the people of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State towards the smooth take-off of the newly established Army Battalion and the 9 Division Headquarters.

In the same vein, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Kwara State Chapter, described President Tinubu’s approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army to 12 divisions as a welcome development.

The forum also applauded the President for approving the recruitment of 28,000 army personnel to strengthen security across the country.

In a statement signed by Abdullahi Yusuf, its Chairman, and Abdullahi Olesin, Director of Media and Documentation, the ACF commended Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his cooperation and support for President Tinubu’s efforts to make every part of Nigeria safe for citizens.

The forum noted that the expansion of the army divisions would not only restore peace but also promote economic growth and prosperity nationwide.

“By these approvals, Mr President has taken the bull by the horns in his determination to rid every nook and cranny of Nigeria of criminality, including banditry and terrorism,” the statement added.

It urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to facilitate decisive action against criminal elements.