Senator Sunday Karimi (APC–Kogi West) has visited the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 12th Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Umar Sidi, at the Chari Maigumeri Barracks in Lokoja, pledging continued infrastructural support to strengthen the fight against banditry and kidnapping in Kogi West.
During the courtesy visit, Karimi commended the brigade commander and his troops for their dedication to safeguarding lives and property across the senatorial district. He praised the Army’s successes in dismantling terrorist networks, rescuing victims and restoring relative peace in affected communities.
The senator also applauded the professionalism of the troops, noting the difficult terrain they operate in while securing forests and rural settlements.
“Thank you for your proactive approach and for ensuring the safety of our communities. We recognise the difficult terrain you navigate, and your commitment to securing our forests and populace is invaluable,” Karimi said.
He expressed sadness over the loss of soldiers in the line of duty, commiserated with the brigade commander and offered condolences to the families of the fallen troops.
While acknowledging the progress recorded, Karimi urged the command to intensify efforts, particularly in rescuing victims still held by kidnappers.
In his response, Brig.-Gen. Sidi thanked the senator for the visit and assured him of the Army’s commitment to flushing criminals out of Kogi West. He said the brigade would deploy more troops to vulnerable communities, including Olle in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Isanlu, Jege and Idofin in Yagba East, as well as Odo-Ere and Egbe in Yagba West.
The brigade commander presented Karimi with a plaque in recognition of his support and commitment to security in Kogi West and the state at large.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Karimi announced that he had arranged accommodation for troops to be newly deployed to Jege and Idofin in Yagba East Local Government Area. He also pledged to build a bungalow for troop accommodation within the barracks, adding that work would commence soon.
The senator recalled that he previously built a 96-bed, well-equipped Military Forward Operating Base in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, and donated two brand new Hilux vans to the Nigerian Army. The facility, located at a strategic intersection bordering Kogi, Kwara, Ekiti and Osun states, was handed over to the Army in October 2024.
