The Commandant of 174 Battalion, Nigeria Army, Odogunyan, Lagos, Lt-Col Muhammad Abdurrahaman, has advised residents of Ikorodu to provide useful information that would help the military in curtailing insecurity in the community.

Mr Abdurrahman gave the advice during the inauguration of an ultra-modern officers’ gate and guards’ house in Ikorodu, Lagos.

The gate and guard house were inaugurated by Commander 9th Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Ikeja, Lagos, Brig.-Gen. Adegoke Adetuyi,

Mr Adegoke was given an award after inspection of all the construction work done on both the gate and the guard quarters.

“I am elated today, as you can see; this is a legacy project and a joyous moment for us. We appreciate our brigade commander who did not send a representative but came himself in spite of his tight schedule. This is a legacy project, an ecstasy for the general security of the barracks. We need the community to give the army useful information to tackle insecurity in the community and the country,” the commandant said.

The commandant appreciated everybody that supported the army in ensuring successful construction of the edifice and for their robust cooperation.

He said that the army had also earmarked a battalion unit to ensure prompt maintenance of the edifice and thanked Ikorodu leaders for his support.

Earlier, Brig.-Gen. Adetuyi said the facilities were important in terms of access control and security of any barracks.

According to the brigade commander, the army has already provided everything, but the responsibility of the commanding officer is to add value to what is already on ground, which he has done.

He said, “The entrance gate to the barracks should have better looks and I urge him to do more and I appreciate those who have supported him. The gate is for the betterment of everybody, as you know the chief of army staff came recently and approved some construction which is ongoing in this barracks.”

Also, the paramount ruler of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, urged residents to always support and invest in the army and any commanding officer posted to 174 battalion for them to do their best in the area of army-civilian relations.

The ruler, represented by Princess Oluwatoyin Aroyewun, said the presence of the Nigerian Army barracks in Odogunyan had significantly contributed to the reduction of crime in the area and Ikorodu in general.

“My advice to the public is to support and invest in the army so that they can showcase their skills,” he stated

Also, Mr Haniru Yahaya, a resident, said the army had done a fantastic job in ensuring the security of lives and property and called on other army formations to strengthen civilian/army relationship

Also, retired Col. Reuben Nwankwo, appreciated the commandant for his vision in bringing innovations to the barracks and called on other residents to support the army.

(NAN)