The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Nigerian Army's 9 Division Headquarters in Ilorin, describing the decision as a major boost to security in Kwara State and the North-Central region.

The commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Emir's spokesman, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona.

According to the Emir, the creation of the new division reflects the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening national security through the decentralisation of military command and improving the military's response to emerging security threats.

He noted that the expansion of the Nigerian Army from eight to twelve divisions would enhance internal security operations, improve the protection of lives and property, and support socio-economic development in Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.

"This development will not only strengthen security in Kwara and the North-Central region but will also create employment opportunities for young people and contribute to the state's economic growth," the Emir said.

Sulu-Gambari also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his commitment to maintaining peace and security across the state.

He prayed for the success of the Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, while assuring the Federal Government of the continued support of the Ilorin Emirate.

The monarch urged residents to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies to ensure the new division effectively delivers on its mandate.

Similarly, the Gamji Association of Nigeria (GAMA), Kwara State Chapter, described President Tinubu's approval for the expansion of the Nigerian Army to 12 divisions and the recruitment of 28,000 personnel as a significant step towards tackling insecurity across the country.

In a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Mohammed Tunde Akanbi, and Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Abdullahi Olesin, the association also appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support in advancing people-centred policies and programmes.

GAMA urged Nigerians to complement government efforts by providing security agencies with credible and timely information to combat criminal activities.

The Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) also welcomed the establishment of the 9 Division Headquarters in Ilorin, describing it as a development that would strengthen security in Kwara and neighbouring Niger State.

The union's National President, Alhaji Abdulmumini Ayo Abdulmalik, thanked President Tinubu and Governor AbdulRazaq for facilitating the project and also appreciated the recent approval of an Army Battalion in Omu-Aran.

He assured the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army of the support of the people of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State towards the successful take-off of the new military formations.

Also reacting, the Kwara State chapter of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) praised President Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army and the recruitment of additional personnel to strengthen security nationwide.

The forum described the development as a decisive step in addressing terrorism, banditry and other security challenges while expressing confidence that it would promote peace and economic prosperity across the country.

The National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ), Kwara State chapter, also commended the President for prioritising national security through the expansion of the Nigerian Army.

The association described the approval as a historic decision that demonstrates the administration's determination to tackle insecurity, while also acknowledging Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq's role in supporting efforts to improve security across the country.