From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, commissioned a 94-bed Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Egbe, Kogi State, a project initiated and privately funded by Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District.
Represented by Major General OG Onubogu, the Chief of Army Staff commended the project for its potential to enhance security in the region and recognised Senator Karimi’s dedication.
Lagbaja highlighted the importance of the FOB in addressing security challenges, particularly citing the recent rescue of students from the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) near Egbe. “This facility will no doubt enhance military operations and overall security operations in Egbe and along the border between Kwara and Kogi State,” Lagbaja said.
He also noted that Kogi’s strategic location, bordered by multiple states, makes it vulnerable to security threats from these surrounding regions. The FOB would help to deter criminals, bandits, and other threats in the area.
Lagbaja emphasised the need for the Kogi State Government to address erosion issues at the base. He assured the public that the base would be used effectively for its intended purpose, adding, “This Forward Operation Base will support our efforts in stopping and deterring bandits, criminals, gunrunners, and other criminal elements.”
Senator Karimi, in his speech, reinforced the significance of the base for improving security in Kogi and its neighboring states, including Ekiti, Kwara, and Osun. He lamented the growing insecurity in Nigeria since the second term of President Olusegun Obasanjo and highlighted how the region had been plagued by kidnappings and banditry, often originating from the forests bordering Kogi and Kwara.
“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,” Karimi said. He added that despite efforts by previous administrations, the insecurity issues persisted, with citizens of Kogi and neighboring states being kidnapped and held for ransom in nearby forests.
Karimi emphasised the importance of local collaboration, saying, “Having noticed all of these, it occurred to me that we have to join hands with the government in reinforcing security in this area.” He explained that the FOB would assist in strengthening military presence and cooperation with local vigilantes, with the goal of improving security in the region.
He concluded by stating that the project was not a constituency initiative but a personal contribution from him and his family. The new FOB is equipped with a 94-bed facility, a commandant office, CCTV, and gun trucks, among other resources.