By Musa Ibrahim
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State says plan by the Nigerian Navy to establish Shagunu Naval Base in Borgu Local Government Area of the State is still on course.
He said the establishment of the Base would help tackle the influx of bandits and other criminal elements from neighbouring countries into the state.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Bello, Mary Noel-Berje, the Niger Governor reemphasized the need for the establishment of the Base during a meeting with Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas , on Saturday.
The statement said the governor’s visit is part of Bello-led administration’s unrelenting efforts at ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.
“The idea of establishing the Shagunu Naval Base in the State was birthed by the State Governor following his meeting with the then Minister of Defence, Brigadier General Monsur Dan-Ali.
“To ensure a vibrant Naval Base, the State government is working on the provision of basic infrastructure and social amenities such as road, water and power among others”, the statement added.
Bello further noted that aside security benefits which will put a check to transnational crime in the nation’s border with other West African countries, the establishment of Shagunu Base will improve the socio-economic activities of the area.
