Richard Elesho
To stem the tide of insecurity in Kogi West Senatorial Zone, the Nigerian Army has commissioned a military forward base, a private initiative of Senator Sunday Karimi, in the area. The facility has 94 beds, fitted with 3 bedroom apartments, commandant office, CCTV, and gun trucks, amongst others.
While commissioning the project in Egbe on Saturday, the Chief of Army Staff Lt General Taoheed Lagbaja who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General OG Onubogu, noted that the project has direct bearing on everyone in the State.
Lagbaja was full of commendations for Karimi, who represents Kogi West in the Senate. “He has proven to be a man who is focused on ensuring security and progress for his community. Let me express my heartfelt appreciation to Senator Karimi for his tenacity and commitment to spearheading the construction and completion of this strategic facility.
“As Chief of Army Staff, I make bold to say that through this kind of partnership and shared vision, Nigeria Army is reassured that members of the Civil Populace appreciate our efforts in curbing insecurity across the Nation.
“I’m assured that the construction of this new FOB is very timely which is in line with the operational and logistical challenges we faced when the recent rescue of kidnapped Students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, (CUSTECH) who were rescued from the forest near Egbe town.
“Drawing from that experience, I’m confident that this facility will no doubt enhance military operations and overall security operations in Egbe and along the border between Kwara and Kogi State.”
He said the Army remains resolute in tackling the security challenges bedeviling Nigeria and Kogi State. “The State is integral to that effort because it is the most Central State in Nigeria. In fact, Kogi State is dominated by the most significant river in Nigeria and is surrounded by States from the North Central, South West, South East and South South, namely Niger, Anambra, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara State.
“This means that Kogi State bears the most impact of any way of insecurity emanating from River Niger or any of these 10 surrounding States and the Federal Capital Territory. The Forward Operating Base like this is critical because it helps us to project our operations to not just only the host State but also the neighbouring State as well.
“I am very hopeful that security will return to Egbe and Kogi in general. Officers and soldiers of 12 brigades and two division Nigerian Army, this Forward Operating Base has been designed and constructed to meet your operational needs. It provides a secured environment for coordination, community, and strategic deployment.
“It is equipped with hostels, kitchen, communication, homes and even operational vehicles among many other facilities. As we commission this operation base today, officers are here by reminded to commit themselves to the call for duty, honour, and sacrifice.
He expressed his gratitude to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for supporting the project alongside the support his administration is giving to the Nigerian Army
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Karimi asserted that the project was personally funded to enhance the security of lives and properties for the community and communities bordering Kogi State, namely Ekiti, Kwara, and Osun States.
“In the last few years, security of lives and properties in the country has been a challenge. It is not directly the fault of the present administration. The problem of insecurity became noticeable since the second term of President Olusegun Obasanjo and it has been on the increase”.
“Under the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration we thought he would do the magic, but all to no avail. Kidnapping was all over the place, banditry, cattle rustling, Boko Haram and other forms of insecurity became the order of the day all over the Federation”.
“Our area here was not excluded by reasons of heavy forest bounding Kwara and Kogi which has been an habitation for criminal activities…
“Recently, even the kidnap of some CUSTECH students, where two students were killed. They were taken to a nearby forest known as Babanla, just close to Patig, and the route they took was somewhere around this Area”.
“Having noticed all of this, it occurred to me that we have to join hands with the government in reinforcing the security in this area. Yes, the army has a platoon of about 20 men here. We decided to provide a base for the military here so that it can help to reinforce security in the neighbouring community bordering Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti, and Osun States. With the Base, working with the government, we will have an improved security of lives and
“This project is not a Constituency Project as spelt out in the budget. It is my personal initiative and fully funded by me personally and my family for the good of our people and neighboring communities. It is not a Government funded or Constituency project as can be found in the budget”.
Karimi, who praised the efforts of the present administration in the State in protecting the lives of the citizens, emphasized that his modest contribution would help reinforce security of lives and properties.
Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo, represented by the State Security Adviser, said his administration will continue to make security of lives and properties its top priority, describing Karimi as a pride to be emulated.
In his remarks, the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, called on the Federal Government to fix the Kabba Ilorin Road, pointing out that it will serve as a panacea to curbing crime and criminality in the area.
Highlights of the event was the donation of two Hilux vehicles by Sen. Sunday Karimi to aid the operation of men of the FoB, as well as the inauguration of the facility by the Chief of Army Staff.