By Peter Omopo
The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, has called on the Nigerian Army to establish a forward operating base near Kainji Lake National Park to enhance security for farmers and residents in surrounding communities.
The traditional ruler made the appeal while receiving the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to his palace in Kaiama, Kwara State.
The visit followed a recent military operation in Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas of Kwara State, and Borgu LGA in Niger State, aimed at flushing out bandits from the Kainji forest, where criminal groups had been terrorising residents, launching attacks, and extorting locals.
General Onubogu also visited Kemanji, a community a few kilometres from the national park, for an on-the-spot assessment of the security situation.
Expressing gratitude to the Army and both federal and state governments, the Emir commended the military intervention, describing it as a significant relief for residents who had long endured violent attacks.
He particularly cited the Mahmuda terrorist group as a major threat, stating that the militants had “severally maimed, tortured, and exploited” people in the area.
The monarch urged the military to solidify the gains of the ongoing operations by setting up a permanent presence near the park to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.
