The Chief of Army Staff COAS, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja, at the weekend, commissioned the Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base (FOB) at Egbe, Kogi State a private initiative of Senator Sunday Karim, representing Kogi West Senatorial District built on behalf of Egbe communities.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General OG Onubogu, declared that the Base would be a strategic boost to security in the State and its environments
The COAS pointed out that the project has a direct bearing on everyone in the State adding that, the Forward Operating Base was a testament to the vision, dedication and collaborative efforts exhibited by the Kogi West Senator.
According to him, “the distinguished Senator has proven to be a Man who is focused on ensuring security, and progress for his community, the state and the country at large, let me express my heartfelt appreciation to Senator Karimi for his tenacity, and commitment in 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.”
The COAS appealed to the Kogi State Government to see how the landscaping of the facility could be improved to reduce erosion within the facility.
According to him, “The Nigerian Army remains resolute in tackling the security challenges bedeviling our nation and Kogi State. The State is integral to that efforts because it is the most central state in Nigeria.
“In fact, Kogi State is dominated by the most significant river in Nigeria and 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 this 10 surrounding States and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT , Abuja, the Forward Operating Base like this are critical because it helps us to project our operations to not just only the host State but also the neighbouring state as well.
”This Forward Operation Base will support our efforts in stopping and deterring bandits, criminals, gunrunners and other criminal elements who operates around the forest and rivers joining Kogi and Kwara State.”
While assuring that the facility would be used for the purpose for which it was constructed, the COAS said, “I am very hopeful that security will return to Egbe and Kogi in general.
“Officers and Soldiers of 12 Brigades and 2 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.”
In remarks, Senator Sunday Karimi who donated two Hilux vehicles to aid the operations of Base disclosed that the project was personally funded to enhance the security of lives and properties of the community and communities bordering Kogi State, namely Ekiti, Kwara and Osun States respectfully.
Karimi described the security of lives and properties of the citizens as enshrined in the Constitution as the basic responsibility of any government, but can better be achieved with the collective collaboration of the citizens.
According b to him, “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, People will be kidnapped in parts of Kogi, Okene, Kabba, Ekiti, Osun and Kwara States and they will be taken to the forest around here where ransoms are paid before their release.
“In fact one of the prominent sons of this Local Government, Hon. Solomon Adedayo was killed few metres away from where we are standing. A former serving Local Government Chairman was kidnapped and released after ransom was paid. So it has been a problem all over this place”
“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 Patigi and the route they took was somewhere around this area.
“Having noticed all of these, it occurred to me that we have to join hands with 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 properties.
“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 neighbouring communities. It is not a government-funded or constituency project as can be found in the budget.”
While pointing out that security is local, Karimi pointed out that the local vigilantes from the area would be supported to work hand in hand with the Military in easing their job with information to enable them fight against insecurity.
Karimi who praised the efforts of the present administration in the state in protecting the lives of the citizens, emphasised that his modest contribution would help reinforce security of lives and properties.
The newly donated Forward Operating Base in Egbe, has 94 bed, fitted with 3 bedroom apartment, commandant office, CCTV, Gun trucks amongst others.
Speaking at the occasion Gov. Usman Ahmed Ododo, represented by the State Security Adviser, said his administration would continue to make security of lives and properties Its top priority, described Sen. 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.
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