Army plans new barracks in Kisi, Ile-Ife as Alaafin receives GOC

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Nigerian Army plans to establish additional barracks in Kisi, Oyo State, and Ile-Ife, Osun State, to strengthen security operations across its area of responsibility.

The General Officer Commanding, 2nd Mechanised Division, Major General Auwalu Mahmuda, disclosed this on Thursday during a visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I.

Mahmuda said the proposed facilities would complement the Brigade and Garrison Barracks being established in Oyo, with the Kisi facility designated as Battalion Barracks and the Ile-Ife facility as Artillery Regiment Barracks.

He said the two facilities would operate under the supervision of the Oyo Brigade and Garrison Barracks as part of measures to expand the Army’s operational presence and improve security within the region.

The GOC also said additional troops would soon be deployed to address security challenges and strengthen the protection of lives and property in the operational area.

Owoade welcomed the planned deployment and commended military personnel for their sacrifices and efforts to protect the country, saying security remained essential to national development.

The Alaafin urged traditional rulers to complement their roles as custodians of culture by taking proactive steps to address security threats in their communities and pledged continued support for troops deployed to Oyo.

Mahmuda thanked the monarch for supporting the troops and helping to address challenges at their temporary accommodation, including water, electricity, toilet facilities, accommodation and solar lighting, as the first batch of troops arrived in Oyo last Saturday.