Senator builds military base in Kogi to tackle insecurity
In a significant step to address the growing insecurity in Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi has facilitated the construction of a military base in the outskirts of Egbe, located in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. This new facility is aimed at enhancing security not only in Kogi but also in parts of neighboring Kwara State.
Speaking at the base’s inauguration on Saturday, Senator Karimi explained that the project was initiated to support the Nigerian military and other security agencies in responding more swiftly to criminal activities, including terrorism and kidnapping. He remarked, “I conceived the idea of the military base in January this year to assist the Nigerian military and security agencies to ensure quick response in combating terrorists, kidnappers, and criminals whose activities in recent times around the border of Kogi and Kwara… is becoming an issue of national concern.”
The senator emphasized that the presence of a military facility would serve as a deterrent to criminals and restore peace in Kogi and Kwara states. He added, “The urge to construct, furnish, and hand over this edifice to the Nigerian Army is borne out of my commitment to assisting the military in protecting the lives of the citizenry and warding off criminals from our rural communities.”
The newly completed base, financed by Senator Karimi, includes two hostels with 85-bed spaces for soldiers, an armory, and furnished office spaces for the base’s commanding officers.
Governor Usman Ododo, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Commander Jerry Omadara (retired), praised the senator’s efforts, stating, “The establishment of this Forward Operating Base will serve to form a chain of influx into Kogi State, provide the needed safety for our people, and also allow the Nigerian Army to take firm control of the security of this area, including Yagba East and beyond.”
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The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, commended Senator Karimi’s initiative. “Let me publicly extend my heartfelt appreciation to the distinguished senator for his tenacity and commitment in spearheading the construction and completion of this strategic facility. It is through this kind of partnership and shared vision that the Nigerian Army is reassured that members of the civil populace appreciate our efforts in covering insecurity across the nation,” he said.
He further highlighted the strategic importance of Kogi State, noting, “Kogi State is integral to that effort because it is the most central state in Nigeria… surrounded by states from the north-central to southwest, southeast, and south-south. This means that Kogi State bears the most impact of any wave of insecurity emanating from River Niger or any of these 10 surrounding states. Thus, forward operating bases like this are critical because they help us project our operations to not only the host states but to neighbouring states as well.”
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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