Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for a strategic partnership between the state government and the Nigerian Army to tackle crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and maritime crimes in the region.
Governor Fubara emphasized that Rivers State, as Nigeria’s economic hub, plays a crucial role in protecting critical national infrastructure. He stressed the need for strong collaboration between security agencies and the state government to curb rising security threats affecting the oil and gas sector.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, the governor made this appeal while hosting the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major-General Emmanuel Emekah, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.
Governor Fubara acknowledged the 6 Division’s vital role in protecting national assets but noted that maintaining peace and security in Rivers State is key to fulfilling this mandate. He raised concerns over the activities of criminal elements responsible for:
- Pipeline vandalism
- Destruction of gas and crude oil facilities
- Engineering community crises in oil-producing areas
Fubara assured the military of the state’s commitment to providing support where necessary.
“We have issues of pipeline vandalization, destruction of gas and crude oil pipelines. And also, the worst part of it is some persons who have decided to engineer community crises in most areas of oil operations.
So, please, while you’re taking that responsibility as part of your assignment, wherever we need to come in, endeavor to reach out to us so that we can also apply our own mechanism because when it comes to issues of chieftaincy, it is within our power,” the governor stated.
Governor Fubara stressed the importance of joint efforts to maintain stability in the region. He assured the Nigerian Army that the state government was willing to play its part in fostering peaceful community relations and addressing conflicts in oil-producing areas.
“When it comes to issues of community relationships, it is also within our power.
So, we can join hands together to bring peace in those areas so that operations can also flow smoothly.”
Responding to the governor’s concerns, Major-General Emekah stated that his visit was a courtesy call following his assumption of office on January 24, 2025. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between the military and the state government in addressing security challenges.
“My visit here this afternoon is customary in the military, and I believe, in other organizations too, that when you assume command, you pay a courtesy visit to your hosts, political masters, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders within your area of responsibility.
And being the Chief Host of 6 Division, I deemed it very necessary to come here this afternoon to formally introduce myself to you.”
Major-General Emekah commended the enabling environment provided by the Rivers State Government for military operations. He assured Governor Fubara that the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army would focus on its core mandate of securing critical national infrastructure in the oil and maritime sectors.
“The task of the Division is very easy: It is simple and straightforward, which is the protection of critical national infrastructure in the maritime and oil domains, and also to ensure security in the South-South region.
I pledge that we will give it our utmost attention to ensure that everything is done as expected.”
With Rivers State at the center of Nigeria’s oil production, the collaboration between the state government and security agencies will be critical in curbing oil-related crimes, protecting national assets, and ensuring the region remains stable for economic growth.