A coalition of Kwara youth organisations and the Arewa Youth Assembly has expressed support for the Kwara security interventions of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly the creation of the Nigerian Army’s 9 Division in Ilorin.
The groups staged a solidarity rally in Ilorin on Monday, describing the establishment of the new Army division as a significant measure to strengthen security in Kwara State and neighbouring communities. The 9 Division has its headquarters in Ilorin, with a formation also cited in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the peaceful rally, President of the Coalition of Kwara Youth Organisations, Ibrahim Funsho Saadu, popularly known as Funsho Layeri, said the establishment of the division represented a response to security concerns among residents. Saadu said citizens should recognise government measures aimed at protecting lives and property.
“When President Bola Tinubu approved the creation of the 9 Division of the Nigerian Army with its headquarters in Ilorin, he did something no other President has done. He saw our vulnerability and he responded with action,” he said.
According to him, the new formation could have benefits beyond increased military presence, including employment opportunities, improved security, increased investor confidence and economic development.
He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and provide useful intelligence to personnel operating in their communities. Saadu said effective security operations would partly depend on constructive relationships between security personnel and residents.
Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Aliyu Muhammad, also described the creation of the division as an important development in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Muhammad commended Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, alongside the recruitment of additional personnel and measures to improve soldiers’ welfare. He said the new division could strengthen military command and control, improve border security, protect critical infrastructure and facilitate quicker responses to emerging threats.
“Citizens will sleep better at night knowing that a whole Army Division is closer to them, farmers will go to their farms with greater confidence and children will attend school without fear,” Muhammad said.
He urged residents to support security agencies through information sharing and cooperation, stressing that security required collective participation.
The youth organisations pledged to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in their operations across the state. They expressed optimism that the 9 Division would contribute to improved security and create conditions for sustainable development in Kwara. Saadu also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their leadership and efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
He congratulated the General Officer Commanding the newly created division and urged him to maintain professionalism while carrying out his responsibilities. The rally comes amid broader efforts by the Federal Government to expand Nigeria’s military formations and strengthen security responses across the country.
