By Musa Baba Adamu
Senator Sunday Karimi has handed over a fully completed and equipped military Forward Operating Base (FOB) comprising of 90-bed spaces in two different blocks to the Nigerian Army in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, Kogi State.
According to a statement by the Senator’s Media office, the project is a significant contribution to the ongoing fight against insecurity.
It said the Forward Operating Base, designed to combat criminal activities in the region, was inaugurated amid widespread jubilation.
It said Sen. 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.
It said the establishment of the Base is expected to enhance rapid military response to threats and ensure a higher level of safety for the region’s residents.
It the Senator, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District, 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.
“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 statement added that 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.”
It said 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.
It said the COAS 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.”
