Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called for the establishment of a military Forward Operation Base in the eastern part of the state to help curb criminal activities in that area.
Governor Abiodun made the call on Wednesday when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farooq Mijinyawa, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Abiodun noted that the high volume of commercial activities in the eastern part of the state, also comes with criminal activities, hence the need to beef up security in the region.
The governor said a military presence is needed in the area to keep at bay criminals who migrate from neighbouring states to Ogun to cause havoc.
He said: “I think one of the things you can do to help us sustain the peace that we have been enjoying in Ogun State is to think of putting some base, maybe some form of Forward Operation Base in the eastern part of the state.
“Right now, we are at the center where we have the state capital. We have a presence in Ogun West, but I think because of the level of commercial activities that are beginning to evolve in the eastern flank of the state, particularly with our airport there, you are going to see an exponential increase in business activities.
“Because every now and then, there are issues that want to test our resolve to maintain peace and order, and as you know, as a law enforcement expert, it is the speed with which you respond to these issues that determines how quickly you neutralize them.
“The Brigade Commander has often had to respond with dispatch through OP-MESA to places like Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode when we have issues. In fact, at times, we had to put men to stay there, and Sagamu-Ogijo is where these bad boys are constantly traveling between Ikorodu, Ogijo, Sagamu, and at times have issues with cultists, which sometimes get very bad. We cannot have such news emanating from Ogun, which is the industrial hub of the nation.
“We cannot have news filtering out of the state that will make potential investors uncomfortable, and you know that part of dealing with criminals is to be proactive by discouraging them. When they see your presence, they want to go to places where they can easily perpetrate their crimes.
“I think we can have men of the Nigerian Army there permanently, and we as a state will provide whatever it is that you need to facilitate so that it can happen immediately. If we have something around the Remo axis that will make it easier for the Army to deploy within minutes.”
The governor emphasized that security is vital for economic activities, adding that his administration could not have implemented its vision in a chaotic environment, even as he lauded the Army for playing a critical role in the state’s security apparatus.
He said that although Ogun is one of the most peaceful states in the country, its geographical location has put pressure on the government to provide not only infrastructure but also security to the people at all times.
Abiodun described the new General Officer as a round peg in a round hole, stating that his education, training, and exposure have adequately prepared him for the top military position.
While calling for more cooperation and support for his administration to maintain peace and order, the governor promised to assist the Army and other security agencies in the state to optimally perform their constitutional duties.
Speaking earlier, General Mijinyawa appreciated the governor for his constant support to the Army, especially in the area of welfare for the wives of fallen heroes, annual Army celebrations, and needed logistics.
“I have ordered my officers and men to continue the good work they are doing in the state to ensure that the peace that we have continues to thrive. Let me assure you that we will step up our efforts to ensure improved security in the state,” General Mijinyawa concluded.