The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has approved the establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army at the Main Campus of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), in a strategic move to enhance security within the university and its surrounding communities.
This development was disclosed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army Sokoto, Major General A.I. Ajose, during his recent assessment visit to the university in preparation for the commencement of military operations at the new base.
According to Major General Ajose, the Chief of Army Staff personally directed him to visit FUDMA to finalize deployment arrangements. He acknowledged ongoing engagements by the Commander of the 17 Brigade and noted that all logistical requirements for the deployment had been addressed.
“We are here to ensure troops are fully deployed at the Main Campus so that the facilities there can be effectively utilized and FUDMA can be fully operational,” he said.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of FUDMA, Professor Aminu Ado, expressed profound gratitude to the Nigerian Army for the planned deployment, stating that it would enable the resumption of academic and administrative activities at the permanent site. He also extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi for their continuous support in enhancing campus security.
Special commendation was also given to Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, Commander of the 17 Brigade, for his unwavering commitment to securing the university community.
In his closing remarks, the University Registrar, Dr. Musa Ajiya, thanked the GOC—who also serves as Commander of Sector 2, North-West Operation Fasfan Yamma—for his dedication to combating insecurity. He emphasized that the establishment of the FOB would significantly strengthen efforts to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in Dutsin-Ma and the wider Katsina State.
