Federal Govt Approves New Army Battalion Base for Ekiti
In a major boost to the security architecture of the state, the Federal Government has approved the siting of a new Army Base—specifically the 148 Battalion—in Ekiti State. This news was confirmed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji during the grand finale of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Ado-Ekiti on January 15, 2026. The Governor publicly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this decisive approval, which is expected to drastically reduce kidnapping and banditry in the region.
Security has been a hot topic in Ekiti, with sporadic cases of kidnapping in border towns causing anxiety among residents. The establishment of a full Army Battalion base means a permanent military presence with the manpower and equipment to patrol the state's forests and highways effectively. Governor Oyebanji described the approval as a "gesture well acknowledged and respected by the citizens," noting that it fulfills a long-standing request by the state government for federal support in combating local crime.
The news has been welcomed with relief by traditional rulers and farmers, who are often the most vulnerable to security breaches. The Governor assured the people that his administration would provide all necessary land and logistical support to ensure the base takes off immediately. He emphasized that with this new battalion, the days of criminals using Ekiti forests as hideouts are numbered, as the military will now have the proximity to respond to distress calls in minutes rather than hours.
This development also carries significant political weight ahead of the election. It allows the Governor to campaign on a platform of "delivered security promises." By securing federal presence, he is demonstrating his connection to the center (Abuja) and his ability to attract federal resources to the state. The opposition will now have to find a new angle to attack his security record, as the establishment of a battalion is a tangible achievement that resonates with the safety-conscious electorate.