Rivers Backs New Ahoada Army Brigade as Security Expansion Moves Forward
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers will support a new Army brigade in Ahoada aimed at strengthening security around critical assets.
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has committed his administration to supporting a new Nigerian Army brigade planned for Ahoada, as the military expands its presence in the state and strengthens operations around key national infrastructure.
Fubara made the commitment on Friday at Government House in Port Harcourt while receiving Brigadier General Ismaila Sule, the newly appointed Commander of 6 Division Garrison and Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe. The meeting was disclosed in a statement by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi.
The governor welcomed the decision to establish the new formation in Ahoada, saying an increased military presence could help address security concerns and reduce tension in that part of Rivers. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu and Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu for approving the deployment.
Fubara said cooperation between the state government and the Nigerian Army had continued across different administrations. He described assistance to security agencies as part of the government's responsibility to create conditions that support peace, economic activity and development.
He also stressed that the state would not encourage military personnel to exceed their lawful duties or mistreat residents. According to the governor, the objective of government support is to strengthen security while maintaining peace and promoting development within Rivers and the wider region.
Sector 3 of Operation Delta Safe is responsible for protecting important national assets, including oil pipelines. Fubara said the formation had received support from the state in the past and indicated that such assistance would continue as security operations develop.
Sule, in his response, thanked the governor for the reception and for the assistance previously provided to the Army. He said officers who served before him had briefed him about the relationship with the Rivers administration and conveyed the military leadership's appreciation.
The commander also outlined plans to visit all 23 local government areas in Rivers as well as nearby military formations. He said the new Ahoada brigade forms part of President Tinubu's directive to increase the Nigerian Army's structure from eight divisions to 12, with additional battalions expected to operate under the brigade.
Sule said the expanded formation would be used to respond to security challenges around Ahoada and support efforts to maintain stability across Rivers State.