Governor recieves GOC, calls for new Military operation base to curb criminal activities

Governor recieves GOC, calls for new Military operation base to curb criminal activities

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has called for the establishment of a military operation base in the eastern part of the state to help curb criminal activities.

Abiodun made the call on Thursday when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj- Gen. Farooq Mijinyawa, in his office in Abeokuta.

He 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 area.

The governor said military presence was needed in the area to check activities of migrating criminals from neighbouring states.

“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, may be some form of Forward Operation Base in the eastern part of the state.

“Right now, we are at the centre where we have the state capital. We have 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 neutralise them”,he said.

According to him, the Army has often responded,with dispatch ,through OP-MESA ,to places like Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode ,when there are issues.

He said the government had to put men in Sagamu-Ogijo ” because these bad boys are constantly traveling between Ikorodu, Ogijo,

Sagamu, and at times we 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”he said.

The governor stressed that security was vital for economic activities, adding that his administration could not have implemented its vision in a chaotic environment.

He lauded the Army for playing a critical role in the state’s security apparatus.

Abiodun said that although Ogun was one of the most peaceful states in the country, its geographical location had put pressure on the government to provide not only infrastructure, but also security to the people at all times.
Abiodun described the new GOC as a round peg in a round hole, stating that his education,
training, and exposure had adequately prepared him for the top military position.

He called 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, Gen .Mijinyawa appreciated the governor for his constant support for 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,” he said(NAN)