The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has praised the Nigerian Army for its relentless operations against economic saboteurs involved in illegal oil bunkering and the destruction of oil pipelines. He noted that these security interventions have significantly minimized disruptions in the oil sector, leading to enhanced national revenue generation, boosted daily crude output, and fortified internal security across Rivers State.

Governor Fubara shared these commendations on Friday during a high-profile courtesy visit by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, at the Government House located in Port Harcourt. The Army Chief was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, alongside several other top-ranking military officials. The delegation arrived in the state to spearhead the upcoming activities organized for the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration, which is scheduled to take place right in the state capital.

During the meeting, the governor highlighted how the military’s tactical operations against crude theft have heavily cut down on production bottlenecks, resulting in a positive financial outlook for the entire federation. He further extended his appreciation to the 6 Division for their dedicated efforts in safeguarding the lives and properties of the citizenry in Rivers State.

Fubara went on to congratulate Lieutenant General Shaibu on taking the helm as the Chief of Army Staff, pointing out that tangible security milestones have been attained since his leadership began. He remarked that within the short span of the COAS’s appointment, the state has witnessed notable peace improvements. He expressed deep satisfaction that the leadership chose Rivers State as the host location for their prestigious annual celebration, stating that this choice firmly underscores that the state is peaceful and remains a vital territory worth protecting.

The governor explicitly committed the Rivers State Government to providing unwavering solidarity and resource backing to the military, ensuring they receive maximum cooperation as they execute their constitutional duties. He noted that since the entire public benefits directly from the positive outcomes of these military deployments, it is the state’s responsibility to fully support them and do whatever is necessary to guarantee their mission succeeds.

Speaking earlier during the encounter, Lieutenant General Shaibu relayed his gratitude to the state leadership for their excellent hospitality and immense contributions toward hosting the 163rd Army Day events. He specifically acknowledged the governor for granting the military access to crucial state-owned infrastructure, including the main stadium, and for the ongoing assistance provided to the local 6 Division Headquarters.

The Chief of Army Staff explained that the anniversary activities, which span an entire week, are intentionally structured to bridge the gap between civilians and military personnel while offering real benefits to local communities. He emphasized that the outreach initiatives are designed to foster mutual trust, win over the hearts and minds of the citizens, and cultivate a deeper, long-lasting harmony between the military and their host communities.