Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has pledged stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect critical infrastructure and economic assets across the state.
Fubara made the commitment when the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Everest Okoro, paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor said the prevailing security challenges required a collective response, assuring the Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies of the state government’s continued support.
He described the relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army as longstanding, noting that the military had provided support during critical periods.
Fubara also commended the Chief of Army Staff for choosing Rivers State to host the recent Nigerian Army Day celebration, saying the event demonstrated the Army’s appreciation of its partnership with the state.
According to the governor, the event also highlighted the relative peace and unity in Rivers State, which he said could not be discussed without recognising the contributions of the Army and other security agencies.
Fubara welcomed Major General Okoro to Rivers State and urged him to prioritise the protection of the state, describing Rivers as the home base of the 6 Division.
Speaking earlier, Okoro thanked the governor for the support given to the Nigerian Army, particularly during the Nigerian Army Day celebration in Port Harcourt.
The GOC said the Chief of Army Staff had asked him to convey his appreciation for the support received from the state government.
Okoro said he had begun a familiarisation tour of military formations and units across the four states under the division’s area of responsibility, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers.
He described Rivers as strategically important to the Niger Delta and Nigeria because of its population, oil and gas resources and critical national infrastructure.
The Army commander identified pipeline vandalism, cult-related violence and other crimes as emerging security threats.
He called for sustained vigilance, timely intelligence and closer cooperation among security agencies, government and communities.
Okoro pledged that the division under his command would maintain professionalism, protect lives and property, safeguard critical national infrastructure and support civil authorities.
He also urged stronger information and intelligence sharing, as well as increased community engagement, to consolidate peace and create an environment conducive to development and prosperity.
