Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged increased support for the Nigerian Army as plans advance to establish a new brigade in Ahoada to address security challenges in the area.
Fubara gave the assurance while receiving the Commander of the Nigerian Army’s Sixth Division Garrison and Sector Three Commander of Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General Ismaila Sule, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor welcomed the planned establishment of the brigade, describing its location in the Ahoada axis as significant in view of the security challenges facing the area.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff for the decision to expand military formations and commands across the country.
Fubara also acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army, noting that successive administrations had maintained cordial relations with the military to strengthen security across the state.
“I want to honestly appreciate the information you just gave to us, the new Brigade that is being created, and more especially the siting of that Brigade in the Ahoada axis, knowing fully well the prevalent challenges that we’re having from that area,” he said.
The governor expressed hope that the presence of the new brigade would help reduce tension and agitation in the area.
He assured the Army of the state government’s continued cooperation, stressing that its support would be increased to enable the military to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
“We are not going to relent or lower our level of support; rather, we will increase it to make sure that you succeed while you are serving the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large,” Fubara said.
He added that collaboration between the state government and security agencies was essential to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure, particularly oil installations and pipelines.
The governor, however, emphasised that the partnership was intended to promote peace, progress and development, assuring the military that the state government would not ask it to undertake actions that compromised its professional responsibilities or were aimed at oppressing anyone.
Earlier, Sule disclosed that the planned brigade in Ahoada was part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing expansion from eight to 12 divisions, aimed at strengthening military operations and improving security across the country.
“Rivers State will be one of the states that will benefit from this expansion, as in the coming days, we’ll be receiving a brigade that will be stationed at Ahoada to come with its affiliated battalions,” he said.
The Army commander, who said he assumed office on September 30, explained that his visit was to formally introduce himself to the governor and acknowledge the support the military had received from successive administrations in Rivers State.
He assured Fubara that the Nigerian Army would continue to work towards maintaining peace and security in the state during his tenure.
