The Nigerian Army on Friday deployed troops in Abejukolo and Bagana communities of Kogi to strengthen the security architecture of the state.

Mr Kingsley Fanwo the state Commissioner for Information disclosed this in a statement.

Report says that Omala and some neighbouring local government areas have been enmeshed in conflicts over the past one year, culminating in loss of lives and property.

Fanwo explained that the troops were deployed in the newly approved Forward Operating Base, Abejukolo and the Patrol Base in Bagana both in Omala Local Government Area.

The commissioner said the deployment would give a “vista of hope” to the people of Kogi East in particular and Kogi as a whole, and assured the people that the days of criminals in the state were numbered.

“The high level of insecurity in Omala and the neighbouring local government areas in Kogi East informed the decision of the state government to request for the establishment of the formations.

“This is to combat crime and make criminality a thing of the past in the area.

“As a responsible and responsive governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo has taken the right decision to restore security and normalcy to the eastern part of Kogi, where many lives were lost to insecurity.

“This is a promise fulfilled as the deployment is sequel to Gov. Ododo’s earlier visit to Omala during the crisis,” he said.

According to him, Gov. Usman Ododo has promised to take the right steps to arrest the trend of insecurity in Omala LGA.

Fanwo said that the state government was grateful to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, as well as the nation’s security chiefs for their commitment to ensuring security in Kogi.

He added: “Gov. Usman Ododo is committed to his pledge to spare no resources in ensuring the security and safety of the Kogi people.

“We call on our people in Omala and the entire Kogi East to cooperate with the troops in order for them to ensure that insecurity doesn’t raise its ugly head in the area again.”(NAN)

 The Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru, said he will be visiting military formations in Kaduna State, including Birnin Gwari and Kachia.

According to him, the visit is to commend the troops for their efforts and encourage them to maintain momentum in the fight against insecurity.

The minister made this known when he led a delegation on a courtesy  visit to the Kaduna State Government House on Thursday.

He praised the state government, led by Gov.

 Badaru also lauded the collaboration between the state and federal governments, emphasising the importance of continued cooperation to tackle insecurity in the North-West.

Sani, while responding,  reiterated the state’s commitment to bolstering security in the state

The governor highlighted the significance of the visit, saying that it allowed the finalisation of preparations for the launch of Operation Fansan Yamma, a new theatre command for the North-West and neighboring states like Niger.

He described the operation as a strategic initiative to address the complex security challenges in the region.

 Sani lamented the devastating effects of insecurity on the North-West, which once served as Nigeria’s food basket.

He decried, ”But it now faces widespread food insecurity, poor access to healthcare, and educational disruptions.”

Sani, however, expressed optimism that the establishment of the joint military theatre would lead to improvements in these areas.

According to hi, it will also create a better environment for investment, economic growth, and the revival of key infrastructure.

Sani also urged the minister to review Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna for possible restructuring under the 1 Division in Kaduna.

 The governor also provided updates on the progress of Operation Safe Corridor in the North-West, thanking all the parties involved in its development.

Sani stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the security agencies and neighboring states to create a unified strategy against terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers.

He also called for a ‘Marshall Plan’ for the North-West’s development, with the newly established North-West Development Commission.

Sani stated that this would lead efforts to address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty and lack of infrastructure.

He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the military high command for their support.

Sani also pledged to continue pushing for reforms that would strengthen security in the North-West and across Nigeria.(NAN

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 65 illegal refining sites across the Niger Delta region in the last one week.The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces, on Thursday in Abuja.