Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has welcomed plans by the Nigerian Army to establish a new brigade in Ahoada, saying the development would help tackle security challenges and ease tension in the area.
The governor described the move as a timely intervention, given the security concerns along the Ahoada axis. He also commended President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff for the decision to expand Army formations and commands across the country.
Governor Fubara spoke at Government House, Port Harcourt, when the new Commander of the Nigerian Army Sixth Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ismaila Sule, paid him a courtesy visit.
He expressed appreciation for the longstanding cordial relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army, noting that successive administrations had worked closely with the military to strengthen security in 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.
He expressed confidence that the presence of the new brigade would help reduce agitation and tension in the area.
Governor Fubara also assured the military of the state government’s continued and increased support to enable the Army 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,” he stated.
The governor stressed that partnership between the state government and security agencies remained essential for the protection of lives, property and critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines.
He, however, made it clear that the collaboration was aimed solely at promoting peace, progress and development, and that the state government would not request the Army to undertake any action that could undermine its professional responsibilities or be used to oppress anyone.
Earlier, Brigadier General Ismaila Sule, who also serves as Sector Three Commander of Operation Delta Safe, disclosed that the new brigade in Ahoada forms part of the Army’s ongoing expansion from eight to twelve divisions.
The expansion, he said, is designed to strengthen military operations and improve security nationwide.
“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,” the commander said.
Brigadier General Sule, who assumed command on September 30, explained that the visit was to formally introduce himself to the governor and to acknowledge the support the Nigerian Army had received from successive Rivers State administrations.
He assured the governor that the Army would continue to do its best to maintain peace and security throughout his tenure.
