By Joel Anakwe (Port Harcourt)
The Nigerian Army has assured that the newly established 6 Division stationed at Bori Camp Port Harcourt is specifically to fight insecurity in the Niger Delta region.
The assurance was made last week during the operationalization of the division, including the 6 Division Anti-Kidnapping Squad, 6 Division Anti-Bunkering Squad, 6 Division Strike Force and 6 Operation Check Mate, as well as a multi-agency show of force to indicate the readiness of the division to fight insecurity and crime.
Speaking during the ceremony, the chief of army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai, assured that the Federal Government would continue to invest in the improvement of security across the country.
Burutai said that the establishment of the 6th Division was in cognizance of security challenges in the country.
The army chief said the investments in security had contributed immensely to the reduction of crime in the Niger Delta and the country at large.
Minister of Defence, Mansur Mohammed Dan-Ali, in his speech, stressed that the operationalization of the 6 Division of the Army will strengthen security in the Niger Delta.
The General Officer Commanding, (GOC) 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Major-General Enobong Okon Udoh, stated that the new division, established nine months ago would go a long way to address the peculiar challenges of the Niger Delta region.
Udoh however said the provision of security and the maintenance of peace and order in the Niger Delta would require support and infrastructure for officers and men, as well as support for its operations, which covers Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta states.
Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, as part of the state’s support, presented twenty operational vehicles to the new division.
He said, “As a responsible government, we appreciate the contributions of the Nigerian Army in dislodging criminals in our state. That is why we will continue to support them. These operational vehicles will help the new division fight crime.”
The governor also announced the donation of land to the Nigerian Army in Omuma Local Government Area.
He stated that the state government will construct a park for the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association in Port Harcourt, which will be used by Army children and other children in the state. The governor added that the state government will assist the Army set up a standard Command Secondary School in Port Harcourt to promote education.