Benin city: The Nigerian Army spearheaded a 10-kilometre joint security road march on Friday across Benin City, Edo, showcasing collective determination and preparedness to tackle crime within the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was led by Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, Commander of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
The march drew personnel from various security agencies, including the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Also participating were members of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, and other state security outfits, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The procession commenced at the 4 Brigade headquarters on Golf Course Road in the Government Reservation Area, traversing Dennis Osadebe Avenue, Ikpokpan, Sapele Road, Ring Road, and Airport Road before concluding at the brigade headquarters. Brigadier General Balogun emphasized that the march was intended to demonstrate the physical fitness, solidarity, and collective strength of the state’s security agencies.
Balogun, who assumed his role on December 1, highlighted his participation in the entire march to exemplify leadership and underscore the importance of fitness in military and security operations. He stated, “I did not tell anybody to represent me. I walked the whole distance. It means I am fit, and you are all fit. That is the standard we must maintain.”
The exercise aimed to publicly display the synergy among security agencies and reassure Edo residents of their safety, particularly as the festive season approaches. Balogun remarked, “What we have done this morning sends a strong message to everybody in the city. People saw the Army, the Police, Civil Defence, NDLEA, DSS, Road Safety, Immigration and others marching together.”
Balogun added that the significant turnout of uniformed personnel would deter criminal elements and serve as a warning to those contemplating unlawful activities. “We have also sent a message to the bad guys. When they see over 500 of us marching, they know that there is more from where this came from. Those planning evil should rethink and turn a new leaf,” he said.
The commander described the march as an annual end-of-year exercise marking the conclusion of the brigade’s training calendar. He noted that the event served multiple security objectives, ensuring residents could celebrate the Yuletide, Christmas, and New Year with peace of mind. He warned miscreants and lawless individuals to be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
Balogun reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continued inter-agency collaboration, stressing that the 4 Brigade would persist in working closely with sister services to maintain peace and security in Edo State.