The Emir of Kaiama, Alhaji Muazu Sheu Omar, has urged the Nigerian Army to establish a forward operating base near Kainji Lake National Park to enhance security for farmers, rural residents, and citizens living in surrounding areas.

The traditional ruler made the request during a meeting with Major General Obinna Onubogu, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, and his team at the Emir's palace. The Army's recent operations in Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kwara State and Borgu LGA in Niger State targeted clearing bandits from the Kainji Forest, who have been exploiting and attacking local communities.

Major General Onubogu's visit included an on-site assessment of security challenges in Kaiama town and Kemanji, a community close to Kainji Lake National Park. The military operation aimed to dismantle criminal networks and protect civilians from violence.

The emir while receiving the GOC and his team expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army, the federal and state governments for the intervention which he said will be ever green in the hearts of the populace around the adjoining communities of the Kanji Lake National Park.

The monarch recalled that "the residents had long been facing attacks from the Mahmuda terrorists group which had severally maimed, tortured and exploited them."

He said, "the leadership of the Army should consider having a forward operating base near the Kanji forest which spreads across Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas in Kwara and the Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State, adding that this will give residents of the area the peace of mind and also assure them that they are safe in their various communities."

Similarly, the Shao'ki of Kemanji, Aliyu Siki-Muhammed, appreciated the Army for coming to the rescue of the people whose source of income lies in agriculture and farming activities.

He emphasised that the community in the last couple of years has been terrorised while the people were also in perpetual fear of recurring attacks and exploitation from the insurgents.

The GOC, during the visit, cautioned the residents from engaging in farming activities in the Kanji Lake forest, saying it is a reserve of the federal government.

He enjoined the people to cooperate with the Army by giving the necessary information while also urging the community leaders to educate the people on the implications of their actions.