Edo Government Deepens Military Partnership to Combat Kidnapping
The Nigerian Army has formally commended the Edo State Government for its sustained logistical and administrative support in the ongoing offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
This commendation was delivered during a high-level courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City on Wednesday, led by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Major General Nansak Danjuma Shagaya.
The engagement highlights a strengthening of civil-military relations under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, as the state seeks to consolidate recent security gains through deeper institutional collaboration and infrastructure development.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, while receiving the military delegation, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary backing to ensure that the 4th Brigade of the Nigerian Army remains effectively positioned to secure the state.
The Governor noted that the synergy between the state’s security architecture and the military is already yielding tangible results, specifically in the reduction of abduction cases across previously volatile communities.
According to the Governor, the consistent presence of military personnel in forests and identified flashpoints has restored public confidence and provided a sense of relief to residents who had historically lived under the threat of criminal gangs.
From an economic perspective, the stabilization of Edo State’s security environment is a critical prerequisite for the growth of its agricultural and transport sectors. Edo State serves as a vital logistics hub and a primary gateway between the southern and northern parts of Nigeria.
The prevalence of kidnapping along these major transit corridors has historically increased the “security premium” on the transportation of goods, contributing to localized inflation and deterring inter-state trade.
By securing these routes, the partnership aims to lower the operational risks for transporters and ensure that agricultural produce from rural clusters can reach urban markets efficiently, thereby supporting the state’s internal revenue and broader fiscal stability.
The Governor’s strategy for sustained security includes the strengthening of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in strategic locations across the state. These bases are designed to enhance response times and facilitate intelligence-led operations, allowing the military to maintain a proactive rather than reactive stance against criminal elements.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the sacrifices of officers who comb difficult terrains are recognized by the state, prompting a commitment to further bolster these tactical units. This focus on localized security infrastructure is intended to provide a permanent solution to rural insecurity, which is essential for encouraging long-term investment in Edo’s emerging agro-industrial zones.
Beyond tactical operations, the meeting addressed the physical infrastructure challenges facing military installations within the state. Major General Shagaya drew the government’s attention to severe flooding issues at the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport in Isihor and the surrounding Ugbowo axis.
While Governor Okpebholo noted that immediate engineering interventions are currently constrained by the rainy season and mandatory procurement procedures, he pointed to the state’s successful remediation of similar flooding at the Ekenwan Barracks as evidence of the government’s capacity to address these concerns.
Resolving these environmental challenges is vital for maintaining the operational readiness of the military personnel stationed in these facilities.
The Army has also proposed a broadened scope of collaboration that extends into human capital development and civic services. Major General Shagaya identified several areas where the military’s specialized skills could benefit the state, including youth engagement programs, capacity building, and refresher training for commercial drivers.
Furthermore, the military offered its expertise in catering services and firefighting support, suggesting a move toward a multi-dimensional partnership that integrates military resources into the state’s social and emergency service frameworks.
Such collaborations can enhance public safety standards and provide vocational pathways for the state’s youth, addressing some of the underlying socio-economic drivers of crime.
From a national security standpoint, the “Edo Model” of civil-military cooperation aligns with the Federal Government’s objective of decentralizing security responses through effective state-level partnerships.
By providing the 4th Brigade with the tools and political will required to operate effectively, Edo State is reducing the burden on federal resources and creating a more resilient security environment.
his is particularly relevant as the state continues to attract private sector interest in its energy and solid minerals sectors, where personnel safety is a primary concern for multinational corporations and domestic investors alike.
As the state moves toward the next phase of its security strategy, the focus remains on the sustainability of these interventions. The government has signaled that it will continue to work closely with the Chief of Army Staff to ensure that Edo remains a hostile environment for criminal activities.
The successful integration of military precision with state-led intelligence and infrastructure support provides a blueprint for regional stability. Ultimately, the continued peace and unity in Edo State will serve as a foundational pillar for its ambitious economic development goals, ensuring that growth is not undermined by the volatility of seasonal criminal trends.
