Fubara welcomes new Army Brigade in Ahoada, pledges more support
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has welcomed the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Brigade in Ahoada, saying the military formation will help tackle insecurity, reduce tension and curb agitation in the area.
Fubara also pledged sustained, improved support for the Nigerian Army to protect oil and gas facilities, pipelines, and other critical national assets in the state.
The governor spoke on Friday after receiving the new Commander, 6 Division Garrison and Sector 3, Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation Delta Safe, Brig.-Gen. Ismaila Sule, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for approving the new military formation, describing its location in Ahoada as a strategic decision that would strengthen security in the area.
The governor said the Rivers State Government had maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with the Nigerian Army across successive administrations, stressing that supporting security agencies was a necessary responsibility of government.
He described the partnership as win-win, adding that security remained fundamental to the state’s and the country’s social and economic development.
Fubara said: “The state has, across different administrations, maintained a wonderful and mutually beneficial relationship with the Nigerian Army.”
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Onwuka Nzeshi, the governor added that government support for security agencies was not an extraordinary gesture but a normal responsibility, given security’s importance to national development.
The governor assured the military that his administration would not make demands that could compromise its professionalism or statutory duties.
“My government will never ask the military to do anything that will undermine its professional and statutory responsibilities or oppress any citizen,” he said, adding that his interest was the peace, progress and development of Rivers State.
Fubara noted that Sector 3, responsible for protecting critical national assets, including oil pipelines, had received substantial support from the state government.
He assured the commander that his administration would not only continue the support but improve it.
The governor also expressed confidence that the new brigade would help address security challenges in the Ahoada axis, where a stronger military presence is expected to improve the protection of lives and property.
Earlier, Sule thanked the governor for the warm reception and the state government’s consistent support for the Nigerian Army.
He said his predecessors briefed him on the cordial relationship between the Army and the Rivers State Government. He conveyed the military high command’s appreciation for the state’s cooperation.
The commander explained that he visited to formally introduce himself to the governor and outline his plans to tour the state’s 23 local government areas and nearby military formations.
Sule said the new brigade in Ahoada was part of the Nigerian Army’s expansion from eight to 12 divisions, following a directive from President Tinubu.
He said the new brigade would have affiliated battalions and would strengthen the military’s capacity to tackle security challenges in the area
The commander assured the governor that the Army, under his command, would work to ensure lasting peace and security across Rivers State.
