Fubara pledges support for new Army brigade

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured the Nigerian Army of his administration’s continued support in protecting oil and gas infrastructure and other critical national assets across the state.

Fubara gave the assurance while receiving the new Commander, 6 Division Garrison and Sector 3, Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General Ismaila Sule, at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, and made available to newsmen.

The governor congratulated Brigadier General Sule on his posting, noting that Rivers State had maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with the Nigerian Army across successive administrations.

He described the partnership as a win-win relationship, stressing that state support for security agencies was a routine responsibility vital for social and economic development.

Governor Fubara welcomed the creation of a new military formation in Ahoada, describing it as a strategic decision that would help reduce tension and curb security threats in that axis.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu, for approving the new military formation for the state.

The governor emphasized that his administration would never ask the military to act outside its statutory responsibilities or oppress citizens, maintaining that his primary focus remained peace, security, and regional development.

• MDAs warned against non-performance
• 2027: Kwara monarchs back Tinubu, Danladi
• Atiku accuses Tinubu of copying fuel subsidy plan

He noted that Sector 3, which is tasked with protecting critical national assets including oil pipelines, had consistently enjoyed state government backing, assuring that such support would be sustained and enhanced.

In his remarks, Sule thanked Fubara for the warm reception and consistent state support to the Army, promising to deepen operational synergy during his tenure.

The commander stated that he had been briefed by his predecessors on the state government’s ongoing support and conveyed the appreciation of the military high command.

Sule noted that the visit was to introduce himself to the governor as the Chief Security Officer of the state and outline plans to tour all 23 local government areas and neighboring military formations.

He disclosed that following President Tinubu’s directive to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions, Rivers State would benefit through a new brigade stationed in Ahoada alongside its affiliate battalions.

Sule added that the new formation would tackle security challenges in the area, assuring that the Army would work to maintain lasting peace across Rivers State.