A lawmaker, Senator Sunday Karimi, representing the Kogi West district in the Senate, has taken a significant step toward combating rising insecurity by spearheading the construction of a military base in Kogi State.
This newly established base is strategically located on the outskirts of Egbe, within the Yagba West Local Government Area, and aims to enhance security not just in Kogi but also in parts of Kwara State.
According to The PUNCH, during the inauguration of the military base on Saturday, Senator Karimi emphasized the urgent need for such facilities to support the Nigerian military and various security agencies in their efforts to tackle the growing threats posed by terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements.
He stated, “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 (where there is a great expanse of forest that is fast becoming a fortress for criminals) is becoming an issue of national concern.”
The senator expressed his hope that the presence of a standard military base would act as a deterrent to criminal activities and contribute to restoring peace in the affected communities.
He noted, “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.”
Financed entirely by Senator Karimi, the newly completed military base features two hostels equipped with 85-bed spaces for soldiers, fully furnished with beds, beddings, and other amenities to ensure comfortable living conditions.
Additionally, the base includes an armory and furnished office apartments designated for the Commander.
The Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Commander Jerry Omadara (retd), highlighted the significance of the base in establishing security in the area.
He remarked, “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.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who was represented by Major General Obinna Onubogu, the GOC 2 Division, praised Senator Karimi for his initiative and commitment to security.
He stated, “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 underscored the importance of the base in securing not only Kogi State but also surrounding regions, saying, “Kogi State is integral to that effort because it is the most central state in Nigeria. The fact that Kogi State is dominated by the most significant river in Nigeria and is surrounded by states from the north-central to southwest, southeast, and south-south, namely Niger, Anambra, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara States means that Kogi State bears the most impact of any wave of insecurity emanating from River Niger or any of these 10 surrounding states.”
He concluded by highlighting the strategic role of such forward operating bases in addressing security challenges, stating, “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.”
