The Nigerian Army has taken possession of a forward operational base in Egbe, Kogi State as part of moves to stem kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in the border community.
The forwarded operational base, solely constructed and furnished by the Senator representing Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi was officially handed over to the Nigerian Army on Saturday in the presence of the representative of the Kogi State Governor and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who was represented by the Ground Officer Commanding 2 Division, of the Nigerian Army, Major General, Obinna Onubogu applauded the initiative of constructing the FOB saying the facility would no doubt enhance security operations in Egbe town and other border communities between Kogi and Kwara States.
“I must say that the construction of this new FOB is very timely bearing in mind the operational and logistical challenges we face during the recent rescue of kidnapped students of the Confluence University of Technology, Kogi State who were rescued from the forest in Egbe town. Drawing from that experience, I am confident that this facility will no doubt enhance military operations and overall security operations in Egbe town and along the border between Kogi and Kwara States.
“This forward operating base will support our efforts in deterring bandits, gun runners and other criminals who operate along the forest and rivers adjourning Kogi and Kwara States. To this end, I want to assure the distinguished Senator and the good people of Egbe and Kogi State that this facility will be used for the purpose for which it was constructed and I’m very hopeful that security would return to Egbe and Kogi State in general.”
In his remark, the Senator representing Kogi West and financier of the project, Senator Sunday Karimi stated that the idea to construct the military base was conceived to assist the Nigerian Military and Security Agencies to ensure quick response in combating terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal elements around the border communities.
He said “the criminal activities in recent times around the Border of Kogi and Kwara (where there is a great expanse of forest that is fast becoming a fortress for criminals) is becoming an issue of national concern. It is also hoped that the presence of a standard military base will serve as a deterrence to these criminals and restore peace and security in the communities in Kogi and Kwara States.”
“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.”
According to the Senator, the newly completed military base which was personally financed has 2 Hostels containing 85-bed spaces for officers and soldiers, fully furnished with beds, beddings, and all fittings for comfortable human habitation; well-built armory building; moderately furnished office apartments for the Commander of the Military Base; official residence of 3bedroom apartment, fully furnished with all furniture, and fittings for the Commander of the Military Base, Officers Mess, watch Tower with Surveillance, CCTV Cameras provided for intelligence and security gathering and so on.”
The Senator expressed hope that the facility would be put in good use and would also achieve the purpose of eradicating insecurity in the border communities between Kogi and Kwara States.