Army establishes FOB to secure Lagos

The Nigerian Army yesterday operationalised a Forward Operation Base (FOB) as part of efforts to secure the eastern part of Lagos state from the activities of kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal gangs. Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff , Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said plans were also on to set up an FOB in Ikorodu for the same reason, even he disclosed that the Army Ordnance Corps at Yaba, Lagos, as well as the 81 Division Ordnance, would be relocated to Epe, to give way for construction of rail track by the federal government. Buratai said the presence of the formations in Epe would further help to secure the area, as Epe ‘serves as gate way to other states in the country through land and sea.” In his remarks, Governor of Lagos state, Akinwunmi Ambode, described the establishment of the army base as “a new security strategy to secure Lagos.” “This is a new strategy to keep our outer spaces safe. We also need the military presence in Ikorodu and Badagry,” he said. He thanked the army and other security agencies to rid Epe of criminal elements which he said was once noted for kidnapping and cultism.
Ambode said Lagos had remain relatively secured in the last three years following efforts of the security agencies, adding that was partly responsible for the growing economy of the state. He promised to continue to support the army and security agencies in the discharge of their duties in the state. Earlier, at the Palace of Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, the Oloja of Epe land, Buratai told the traditional ruler that the FOB would help in preventing criminal elements from re-entering the town after being fl ushed out through an operation. The Oba commended the military for “playing a significant role” in ensuring the security, peace and unity of the nation. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Eniobong Udoh, noted that Epe in recent past had been notorious for kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft. He said that informed the establishment of the FOB, adding that the unit would assist in checkmating those menace.