In A Bold Move, Abiodun Seeks Forward Operation Base To Strengthen Ogun’s Defense

Ogun State Governor 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.

He spoke when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen.  Farooq Mijinyawa, who visited him in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Prince Abiodun said the high volume of commercial activities in the eastern part of the state also came with criminal activities, hence the need to beef up security in the district.

The governor said military presence was needed in the area to keep at bay criminals who migrated from neighbouring states to Ogun to wreak havoc.

He said: “I think one of the things you can do to help us sustain the peace 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 centre 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 neutralise them.

“The Brigade Commander has often had to respond with dispatch through OP-MESA to places such as Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode when we have issues. In fact, at times, we have to put men to stay there, and Sagamu-Ogijo is where these bad boys are constantly travelling 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 crime.

“I think we can have men of the 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 said 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 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 for the people at all times.

He described the new general officer as a round peg in a round hole, saying his education, training and exposure had prepared him for the top military position.

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 perform their constitutional duties.

Gen. Mijinyawa appreciated the governor for his 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 the peace we have continues to thrive. Let me assure you that we will step up our efforts to ensure improved security in the state,” he concluded.