Governor Monday Okpebholo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Army in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities in Edo State.
The governor made this known on Tuesday while receiving the Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Maj Gen Nansak Shagaya, alongside other senior officers during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Benin City.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor said the partnership between the Edo State Government and security agencies, particularly the Army, has continued to produce tangible results in efforts to curb insecurity across the state.
He said, “I am delighted to receive you, especially considering the level of collaboration between my administration and your men in tackling kidnapping.
“Our partnership with the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army is yielding positive results. At times, you see your men spending days in the bush combing forests. You begin to wonder where they draw their strength from.
“My administration deeply appreciates the efforts of these gallant soldiers whose contributions are restoring peace and confidence among our people.
“We are ready to sustain and even deepen our partnership, especially in supporting the Forward Operating Bases set up in some parts of the state.
“Please convey my appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for his leadership and commitment to securing our people,” Okpebholo stated.
Addressing the flooding affecting the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport in Isihor, the governor noted that immediate intervention may be constrained by the ongoing rainy season and procurement procedures.
He added, “There is little we can do at this stage because the rainy season has already set in, and we must follow due process in procurement.
“However, we had similar flooding issues at Ekenwan Barracks, and we intervened successfully. The area is now in a much better condition. We will study the situation at Isihor and determine how best to address it.”
In his remarks, Maj Gen Shagaya thanked the governor for the administration’s sustained support and cooperation with the Army, pledging the Corps’ continued commitment to the state’s security and development efforts.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s resolve to maintain peace, unity, and stability in Edo State and across the country. The Army commander also appealed for government intervention to address the persistent flooding affecting the school and neighbouring communities in the Isibor and Ugbowo axis.
Beyond security operations, he sought collaboration in areas such as capacity building, youth engagement, driver refresher training, catering services, and firefighting support.
Edo State has recorded a rise in kidnapping incidents in recent months, including protests in Ekpoma that escalated into unrest. Security agencies, including the police and the Nigerian Army, have reportedly arrested more than 80 suspected kidnappers in coordinated operations across the state.
