Banditry and Kidnapping in Kogi West: Senator Karimi Visits Army Brigade Commander in Lokoja, Pledges Infrastructural Support
●Troops to be Deployed to Olle-Bunu, Jege, Odo-Ere, Idofin, Isanlu communities
In view of the escalating security situation in Kogi West, Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, Senator Representing Kogi West Senatorial District has paid a courtesy visit to the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 12th Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, at Chari Maigumeri Barracks office in Lokoja, Kogi State.
During the visit, Senator Karimi commended the Brigade Commander and his team for their dedication and commitment in guaranteeing the safety and security of lives and property in the senatorial district. Senator Karimi applauded the successes of the Nigerian Army in dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing victims and restoring peace in the zone.
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He applauded the professionalism exhibited by men of the Nigerian Army in the fight against banditry and kidnapping ravaging the senatorial district.
“Thank you for your proactive approach and for ensuring the safety of our communities. We recognize the difficult terrain you navigate, and your commitment to securing our forests and populace is invaluable,” he said.
He also commiserated with the army commander on the loss of some of his troops in line of duty, expressing deep sadness over the tragic loss of soldiers who died in the line of combating insecurity and offered his condolences to the Commander and the families of the deceased soldiers.
“Their sacrifice in defense of our nation and its citizens will not be forgotten. We honour their courage, dedication, and service. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, the surviving soldiers under your command, and the families of the fallen heroes”.
While acknowledging the challenges and the need for continued action, the lawmaker urged the command to do more especially in rescuing victims who are still held hostage by kidnappers.
In his remarks, the Brigade Commander, Brig-Gen Sidi thanked Senator Karimi for the visit, assuring him of the army’s commitment in riding the communities of Kogi West from criminals and all forms of criminality.
Brig-Gen Sidi stated that more troops will be deployed to the senatorial district especially in communities like Olle in Kabba – Bunu LGA, Isanlu, Jege and Idofin all in Yagba East LGA, Odo -Ere and Egbe in Yagba West LGA and many other communities.
Brig-Gen Sidi presented the lawmaker with a plaque in recognition of his dedication, commitment and support in the fighting against insecurity in Kogi West and the state in general.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Senator Karimi announced that he has made arrangements for the accommodation of troops earmarked for fresh deployments in Jege and Idofin in Yagba East Local Government Area.
“The military has assured on the deployment of the troops immediately. And in furtherance to that I have provided them with accommodation in those aforementioned places”.
Furthermore, Senator Karimi promised to build a bungalow to accommodate troops in the barracks of which works will commence soon.
It will be recalled that senator Karimi built a 96—bed well equipped Military Forward Operating Base and donated two brand new hilux vans, in Egbe, Yagba West LGA between the boarders of Kwara and Kogi States, which was handed over to the Nigerian Army in October, 2024.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 7TH 2026)
