The Federal Government has approved the establishment of the 169 Motorcycle Battalion in Esin-Ele, Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The approval came days after a closed-door meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Buhari AbdulFatai, who represents Oyo North Senatorial District.
It follows the kidnap of pupils and teachers in the Esin-Ele and Yawota communities of Oriire, which sparked national outrage.
In response, Tinubu sent a high-powered delegation led by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
It included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Inspector-General of Police and other security chiefs.
During the visit, the delegation announced the approval of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State.
They are to be deployed in collaboration with the state government to boost grassroots security and secure the release of the abducted victims.
Buhari, who was among the dignitaries that received the delegation, requested a full military formation in Esin-Ele to permanently secure the vulnerable corridor.
The request was backed by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III.
Buhari later took the request to Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa. Speaking on Arise TV after the meeting, he said he made two requests in the presence of the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji.
The requests were approval for a military formation in Esin-Ele and a Federal Medical Hospital for Oke-Ogun.
According to the senator, both are meant to improve healthcare delivery, strengthen security infrastructure and enhance the operational capacity of security personnel in the district. He said Tinubu approved both before he left the Villa.
On Monday, a delegation of senior Nigerian Army officers visited the Soun at his palace. It was led by retired Major General Olabanji and included Major Generals Audu and Danja and the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Ogbomoso.
The visit was to formally inform the monarch and begin groundwork for the take-off of the new battalion.
Security experts describe the 169 Motorcycle Battalion as a highly mobile rapid-response unit designed for difficult terrain such as the Esin-Ele forest corridor.
They say it will shorten response time, disrupt kidnapping routes and provide a lasting military deterrent in Oriire and the wider Ogbomoso zone.
Residents and local leaders also expect the facility to bring barracks infrastructure, jobs, commercial activity and a stronger federal presence to the city.
The people of Ogbomoso have praised the working relationship between the Soun and Buhari