By Mardiyyah Abubakar
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has welcomed plans to establish a new Nigerian Army brigade in Ahoada, expressing hope that the formation will address security challenges and reduce tension in the area.
Fubara described the initiative as a significant intervention, given the security concerns in the Ahoada axis.
The governor spoke on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, while receiving the Commander of the Nigerian Army 6 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Ismaila Sule, who paid him a courtesy visit.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for expanding Army formations and commands across the country.
Fubara also praised the longstanding relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army, noting that successive administrations had maintained cooperation with the military to strengthen security.
He assured the Army of the state government’s continued support, promising to increase assistance to enable the military to carry out its duties effectively.
The governor stressed that cooperation between the government and security agencies was essential to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure, including oil pipelines.
He, however, said the partnership was intended to promote peace, progress and development, adding that the government would not ask the military to act against its professional responsibilities or oppress anyone.
Speaking during the visit, Sule disclosed that the new brigade in Ahoada was part of the Nigerian Army’s expansion plan to increase its divisions from eight to 12.
He said the expansion would strengthen military operations and improve security nationwide, adding that the new brigade would have affiliated battalions.
Sule, who also serves as Sector Three Commander of Operation Delta Safe, said he assumed command on September 30 and visited the governor to introduce himself and acknowledge the state government’s support for the Army.
He assured residents that the Nigerian Army would work to maintain peace and security in Rivers State.
