The Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army’s 6th Division have agreed to improve information sharing and community engagement to protect oil and gas infrastructure and other national assets in the state.
The agreement was reached on Tuesday in Port Harcourt when Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, received the newly deployed General Officer Commanding, 6th Division, Major General Everest Okoro, at the Government House.
The meeting focused on security cooperation, with both sides stressing the need for closer work among government, the military and other security agencies to prevent vandalism and protect lives, property and critical infrastructure.
Okoro said the division would sustain its work to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure in Rivers State. He also promised to maintain professional conduct and better cooperation with other security agencies.
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“We shall continue to ensure the pursuit of operational effectiveness and ensure seamless joint and multi-agency collaboration for my troops. I can guarantee you that we will continue to maintain the utmost level of professionalism in the discharge of our constitutional responsibility,” he said.
The GOC also identified information and intelligence sharing, community engagement and other forms of assistance as areas where cooperation with the state government could improve security operations.
Army seeks better information flow
Okoro thanked Fubara, the Rivers State Government and residents for their continued support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.
“I wish to most sincerely appreciate the government and the people of Rivers State for the continued support to the Nigerian Army as well as other security agencies,” he said.
He said he looked forward to continued cooperation with the state, especially through better information and intelligence sharing and engagement with communities.
“I respectfully look forward to the sustenance of this collaboration, particularly through enhanced information and intelligence sharing, community engagement and other forms of support that will facilitate the effective discharge of our responsibilities,” he said.
Okoro said the 6th Division under his command would stay focused on securing Rivers State and creating conditions for socio-economic development.
“Let me assure His Excellency that, under my command, the Division will remain dedicated to protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical national infrastructure and supporting the civil authority in creating the enabling environment for our people to thrive,” he stated.
The 6th Division has jurisdiction over Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom states. Okoro visited the governor with senior military officers and other security personnel from the division.
Fubara offers government backing
Fubara said the relationship between the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Army existed before his administration and had provided assistance during difficult periods.
“The Rivers State Government didn’t start this partnership today. It is a system that has been existing. As a matter of fact, I know the wonderful relationship that the immediate past administration enjoyed with the Nigerian Army. In most of our critical times, the Nigerian Army has always been there to give us the necessary support,” he said.
The governor promised that his administration would continue the relationship and provide the GOC with the support needed for his assignment.
Fubara said security conditions required government agencies and other stakeholders to work together, particularly to protect oil and gas infrastructure from vandals.
“We understand the kind of trying times that we are already in; it is not a time where you can do it on your own. It is a time when all the units and the stakeholders must come together and join hands to make sure that we protect our valuable assets from these criminals that have decided that their only stock in trade will be to vandalise and destroy critical national assets and make the state and the nation suffer,” he said.
He also said the state government would work with the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy, alongside the Army, to improve security.
“The Rivers State Government will partner with you as the General Officer Commanding the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army. We’ll also partner with every other sister agency who work with you — the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy — to make sure that we succeed as a team,” Fubara declared.
The governor asked Okoro to give priority to the protection of Rivers State, noting its strategic importance to the national economy. He also reaffirmed the state government’s backing for the GOC and his troops serving in units and formations within the Niger Delta region.
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