Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for a strategic partnership between the State Government and the Nigerian Army to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and maritime crimes in the state.

Governor Fubara emphasized that as Nigeria’s economic hub, Rivers State bears a significant responsibility in safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

He stressed the need for security agencies to collaborate and implement effective strategies to address these challenges, ensuring the nation’s economic stability.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara made this call while hosting the 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.

The Governor acknowledged the 6 Division’s crucial role in protecting national assets within its jurisdiction but noted that maintaining peace and security in Rivers State is essential for achieving this mandate.

Governor Fubara said, “And, finally, I want to say that our task today is becoming gradually complicated because of the set of people that have chosen to become a problem to this country.

“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.”

He added, “And 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.”

In response, Major-General Emekah stated that his visit was to formally introduce himself to the Governor following his assumption of office on January 24, 2025.

He said, “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.

“Also, to thank you for the enabling environment that you have given to the Army to operate in the state.

“And to say that 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.”