Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscoopnews
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s strategic partnership with the Nigerian Army as part of a comprehensive security strategy to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
Speaking at Government House in Benin City during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Major General Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, Governor Okpebholo said the collaboration between the state government and the military is already delivering measurable gains in restoring safety and public confidence.
“Our partnership with the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army is yielding positive results,” the governor stated. “Our people see the sacrifices being made—soldiers spending days in forests and difficult terrains to flush out criminal elements. Their resilience and dedication are commendable.”
He noted that intensified joint operations between security agencies have significantly disrupted kidnapping networks in several affected communities, bringing relief to residents and strengthening investor confidence.
Governor Okpebholo assured the Army of sustained institutional support, particularly in reinforcing Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) established in strategic locations across the state to enhance rapid deployment, intelligence gathering, and surveillance capabilities.
“We are committed to deepening this partnership and providing the necessary support for the Forward Operating Bases,” he said, adding that the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff has played a critical role in strengthening security operations within the state.
Addressing concerns over flooding at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport in Isihor, the governor acknowledged the urgency of the issue but explained that immediate large-scale intervention may be constrained by the ongoing rainy season and statutory procurement processes.
He referenced the successful government intervention at Ekenwan Barracks following similar flooding challenges, assuring that a technical assessment would be conducted at Isihor to determine sustainable remedial measures.
In his remarks, Major General Shagaya commended the Edo State Government for its consistent collaboration with the military and pledged continued support for the administration’s security and development agenda.
Beyond security operations, the Army Commander proposed expanded cooperation in capacity building, youth engagement initiatives, driver refresher training programmes, catering services, and firefighting support — areas aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and community resilience.
The renewed collaboration underscores Edo State’s evolving security framework, which combines military partnership, strategic infrastructure support, and community-focused engagement to curb criminal activity and promote lasting stability.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD, stated that the administration remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while fostering productive institutional partnerships that enhance peace, unity, and sustainable development across Edo State.
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