By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Commander of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar-Sidi, has assured residents of Kogi State that the military remains fully committed to combating banditry and restoring peace across the state.
Brig. Gen. Umar-Sidi gave the assurance on Tuesday while addressing members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kogi State Council, during a courtesy visit to his office in Lokoja.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Army will continue to intensify operations against bandits and other criminal elements to ensure that citizens live without fear.
“The Army will continue to do its best in ensuring that bandits terrorizing Kogi State are dealt with, so that people can live peacefully,” he stated.
The commander appealed to Nigerians to support the armed forces and other security agencies, stressing that negative portrayals of the country and its military dampen the morale of soldiers who risk their lives daily to safeguard the nation.
“Our officers and men are being killed in the line of duty to keep this nation safe. Any negative perception or report against the military discourages those making sacrifices for the country,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Umar-Sidi also urged Nigerians to avoid interpreting national issues through religious or ethnic lenses, noting that unity and collective responsibility are vital in addressing insecurity.
“Whenever challenges arise, we must come together as one people to find solutions for the growth and development of the country. Nigeria is our only home, and we must place national interest above personal gain,” he added.
He commended the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel for its visit and pledged the Army’s readiness to strengthen its partnership with the media to enhance public awareness of the 12 Brigade’s operations in the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Segun Ademola Salami of Channels Television, commended the efforts of the 12 Brigade in combating kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism in Kogi State.
Salami, who led the delegation, noted that many of the Army’s achievements in the state were underreported and pledged greater collaboration to ensure the public is better informed about the military’s successes.
“The military, especially the 12 Brigade Command, has been doing a lot in dealing with kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists. We are ready to partner with you and give these efforts the visibility they deserve,” he said.
The 12 Brigade Command, headquartered in Lokoja, plays a strategic role in maintaining security in Kogi and neighboring states within the North Central region.
