By Steven Atokolo
The Senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi has handed over a fully completed and equipped military Forward Operating Base (FOB) to the Nigerian Army in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State in a bold step to enhance security of the senatorial district and neighbouring states.
The project is a significant contribution to the ongoing fight against insecurity, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s security agenda.
The Forward Operating Base, comprising of 90-bed spaces in two different blocks, designed to combat criminal activities in the region, was inaugurated amid widespread jubilation on Saturday October 12, 2024.
Distinguished Senator Karimi expressed confidence that the base would serve as a critical asset in addressing security challenges, not only in Kogi State, but also in neighbouring states like Kwara, Niger and Ekiti.
Egbe, being a border town to these states, has been a vulnerable point for criminal activities. The establishment of the Forward Operating Base is expected to enhance rapid military response to threats and ensure a higher level of safety for the region’s residents.
Senator Karimi, emphasized that the project aligns with his commitment to improving the lives of his constituents and supporting national efforts to eliminate insecurity.
He noted that the strategic location of Egbe, at the crossroads of several states, made it a priority area for bolstering security infrastructure.
In his speech during the handover ceremony, Senator Karimi said, “this Forward Operating Base is not just a project for Kogi West; it is a security asset for Kogi, Kwara, Niger, and Ekiti States.
“We are at a critical location where criminal elements exploit the porosity of our borders, and this facility is designed to close those gaps, ensuring that our people can live and move freely without fear”.
The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including a 98-capacity hostel for soldiers, a cookhouse, officers’ mess, guard room, commander’s quarters, and a surveillance building. Additionally, the Forward Operating Base runs on a 24-hour solar energy power supply, ensuring uninterrupted electricity, and is equipped with Starlink internet for real-time communication and Internet access. A motorized borehole guarantees a steady supply of clean water, while operational vehicles, including two brand-new 2023 Toyota Hilux, were donated by Senator Karimi to support the mobility and efficiency of the soldiers stationed at the base.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division Nigerian Army, Major General O.G. Onubogu, lauded Senator Karimi for his foresight and contribution to national security. He acknowledged that the Forward Operating Base would enhance the army’s ability to respond swiftly to security threats in the region, particularly in border areas prone to criminal activities like armed robbery, kidnapping, and banditry.
“This facility will go a long way in aiding our men in the fight against crime in this region. Senator Karimi has set a remarkable example of leadership by providing this base, and the Nigerian Army is deeply appreciative,” General Onubogu said.
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo (FCA), was represented at the event by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd).
In his address, Governor Ododo commended Senator Karimi for his proactive contribution to the state in the fight against insecurity, noting that the base would significantly boost the government’s efforts in combating insecurity and other criminal acts.
The handover ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries from both the military and civilian sectors including Hon. Leke Abejide, member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Aliyu and many state commissioners.
