Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged continued support for the Nigerian Army to strengthen security around oil and gas facilities and other critical national assets in the state.

Fubara gave the assurance on Friday when he received Brigadier General Ismaila Sule, the new Commander of the 6 Division Garrison and Sector 3 of the Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation Delta Safe, at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor said Rivers State had maintained a longstanding relationship with the Nigerian Army across successive administrations, describing cooperation between the government and the military as essential to security and economic development.

He also welcomed plans to establish a new military formation in Ahoada, expressing hope that the development would help address security challenges, tension and agitation in that part of the state. Fubara commended President Bola Tinubu and Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu for the initiative.

According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, Fubara said his administration would not ask the military to act outside its professional and statutory responsibilities or oppress any citizen. He maintained that his government’s priority was peace, progress and development.

In his remarks, Sule thanked the state government for its support and pledged to strengthen cooperation with relevant stakeholders during his tenure. He also disclosed plans to visit all 23 local government areas in Rivers State and nearby military formations.

The commander further said Rivers State would benefit from the planned expansion of the Nigerian Army, with a new brigade and affiliated battalions expected to be stationed in Ahoada. He expressed confidence that the formation would help tackle security challenges in the area and support efforts to maintain peace across the state.