The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai had disclosed that army authorities had approved the establishment of a ‘Special Forces Battalion’ Barracks to be located in Okene, Kogi.
The Army Chief made this known yesterday after inspecting the proposed site of the new barracks at Okene Secondary School in Okene Local Government Area.
The COAS, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Ademo Salihu, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Minna, believes the new barracks would enhance security of lives and property in the State.
The new barracks was named ”109 Special Forces Battalion” Barracks, Okene, and Buratai also made it known that its establishment was prompted by the strategic importance of Kogi in Nigeria, “being the gateway between the North and the Southern part of the country”.
”So, the Federal Government considers it very appropriate to locate the barracks in Okene in order to ensure the security of the people of this important corridor.
”We all know the importance of security in the development of any nation. If we get the security right, every other thing will fall in place.
”We have done our assessment; we have gone round to a couple of places, and usually there are numbers of consideration such as technical and tactical, that will determine what the location should be.
”We have looked at the facilities and infrastructure of those places, we will go back to army headquarters and our experts will write the final report, and the army headquarters will take the final decision.
”Approval for the barracks has been granted already and what we are here for is just to put effect to that approval. So, you can be assured that it will be as soon as possible,” the COAS said.
Earlier, Buratai and his entourage had paid Dr Ado Ibrahim, the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, a visit in his Palace, and the crown commended the army for the gesture as well as promised his total support.