Senator Sunday Karimi has taken a step to address the rising insecurity in Kogi West by constructing a military base in the outskirts of Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
During the base’s inauguration, Senator Karimi explained that the project was conceived in January to support the Nigerian military and security agencies in combating terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals.
He emphasized that the presence of the military base would serve as a deterrent to criminals and restore peace and security in the communities.
The senator highlighted the base’s facilities, including two hostels with 85-bed spaces for soldiers, an armoury, and furnished office apartments for the Commander of the Military Base.
Governor Usman Ododo, represented by Commander Jerry Omadara, expressed gratitude to Senator Karimi, noting that the base would enable the Army to control the area’s security.
“I, therefore thank Senator Sunday Karimi for this wonderful initiative in the fulfillment of his constituent’s responsibility. Therefore, 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,” he said.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, also commended the senator, stating that the base would help secure 10 neighboring states, given Kogi State’s central location.
He said, “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. As the Chief of Army Staff, I am able to say that 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.”
Lagbaja emphasized, “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 neighboring states as well.”
