Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has welcomed plans to establish a new Nigerian Army brigade in Ahoada, expressing confidence that the military formation will help address security challenges and ease tensions in the area.
The governor described the proposed brigade as a significant intervention, given the persistent security concerns in the Ahoada axis, and commended President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for expanding Army formations and commands across the country.
Fubara spoke at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday while receiving the new Commander of the Nigerian Army 6 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ismaila Sule, who paid him a courtesy visit.
He expressed appreciation for the longstanding relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army, noting that successive administrations had maintained close cooperation 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,” the governor said.
Fubara expressed hope that the new brigade would help tackle security threats, reduce agitation and promote lasting peace in the area.
He also assured the military of the state government’s continued cooperation, pledging to increase its support to enable the Army to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
The governor stressed that collaboration between the state government and security agencies remained essential to protecting lives and property, as well as safeguarding critical infrastructure, including oil installations and pipelines.
“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, however, emphasised that the partnership was intended to promote peace, progress and development, assuring the Army that the state government would not ask it to undertake actions that compromised its professional responsibilities or subjected anyone to oppression.
Fubara further identified the protection of oil installations and pipelines as a key area of cooperation between the state government and the military, noting that effective collaboration would benefit both parties and the wider community.
Army assures Rivers residents of commitment to peace
In his remarks, Sule, who also serves as Sector Three Commander of Operation Delta Safe, disclosed that the planned brigade in Ahoada was part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing expansion programme, which is aimed at increasing the number of divisions from eight to 12.
He said the expansion was designed to strengthen military operations, improve security coverage and enhance the Army’s capacity to respond to security threats 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,” Sule said.
The commander, who assumed office on September 30, explained that his visit was intended to formally introduce himself to the governor and acknowledge the support the Nigerian Army had received from successive administrations in Rivers State.
He assured Fubara that the Army would continue to work towards maintaining peace and security across the state throughout his tenure.
The proposed brigade is expected to strengthen the military’s presence in the Ahoada axis and support ongoing efforts to address security challenges in Rivers State.
