Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, has facilitated the construction of a military base on the outskirts of Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, to address insecurity in the area.
Karimi explained at the inauguration on Saturday that the base would assist security agencies in responding faster to threats such as terrorism and kidnapping, particularly along the Kogi-Kwara border.
“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 along the border are becoming a concern,” he said.
He expressed hope that the base would deter criminal activities and help restore peace to communities in Kogi and Kwara.
“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,” Karimi said.
The senator revealed that the facility, fully funded by him, includes two hostels with 85-bed spaces for soldiers, complete with beds, beddings, and other necessary fittings. The base also features an armoury, fully furnished office apartments for the commander, and other essential facilities.
Governor Usman Ododo, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Commander Jerry Omadara (retd), commended the project and said it would strengthen the Army’s presence in the area.
“The establishment of this Forward Operating Base will enhance security in Kogi State and enable the Army to control the area, including Yagba East and beyond,” Omadara said.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by the GOC 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, also acknowledged the contribution.
“This kind of collaboration strengthens the Army’s ability to address security challenges across the country,” Lagbaja said.
He added that the base would support operations not only in Kogi but also in surrounding states, including Kwara, Niger, Anambra, and others.
“Kogi’s location at the centre of the country makes it important for security operations, especially with its proximity to key states and the River Niger.”
