In a concerted effort to boost security and protect critical national infrastructure, top security officials in Rivers State, led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, engaged key stakeholders in Gokana Local Government Area (LGA) in a high-level dialogue on Wednesday, April 16, focused on fostering peace and collaboration.
The interactive session, convened on the directive of the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), aimed to build synergy between security agencies and local communities in addressing threats to vital infrastructure, particularly pipelines and other oil installations within the area.
Addressing participants, CP Adepoju stressed the collective responsibility of securing federal assets, especially amid rising threats of vandalism.
He urged local leaders and residents to assist security agencies by sharing credible intelligence, noting that the protection of national infrastructure was not the job of security forces alone.
“Our infrastructure is a shared heritage. We must work together to protect it,ß⁷ citing recent attempts to sabotage oil pipelines. Community support and intelligence-sharing are essential to maintaining peace and safeguarding these assets.”
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The meeting drew representatives from various security agencies including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army’s 6 Division, Nigerian Air Force’s 115 Special Operations Group, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Stakeholders voiced their concerns and offered practical suggestions during the dialogue. Chief Priscilla Dikue, representing Gokana women, stressed the value of female participation in security efforts. Women have a critical role to play in promoting peace. We will speak to our youths and children to support this cause,” she pledged.
Youth leader Gbere Kpakol highlighted rampant unemployment and lack of engagement as factors behind pipeline vandalism. He urged the government and companies to involve traditional rulers in decision-making and to consider awarding contracts to local communities, especially given that Gokana hosts the state’s largest manifold.
Calls were also made to address local development needs. One participant appealed to the state government to collaborate with JAMB in accrediting a CBT centre in Gokana, to reduce the burden on students travelling to Port Harcourt for exams.
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Another representative, Secondus Menemu, spoke on behalf of persons with disabilities, urging the government to increase employment opportunities for the marginalised group.
In his remarks, Sole Administrator of Gokana LGA, Professor Gospel Kpee, lauded the initiative, describing the meeting as timely and essential in strengthening community-security relations.
“We are grateful for the commitment of the security agencies. This collaboration enhances our peace and fosters mutual trust.”
The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to community engagement, peacebuilding, and the protection of national assets, pledging continued partnership with stakeholders across the state.
