… As Rivers Administrator Lauds Army on Protection of Oil, Gas Facilities
By Godwin Chukwumaechi, Port Harcourt
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, has have tasked men and officers of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, on continued protection of the nation’s territorial integrity and critical infrastructure, while commending them for their sacrifices, commitment and dedication to safeguarding “our beloved nation with unwavering resolve.”
This was as the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), also commended the Nigerian Army for the protection of oil and gas facilities in Rivers State and across the Niger Delta region, that had ensured improved oil production levels.
The commendations came during the Chief of Army Staff’s ‘Eid -el -Fitr Celebration Luncheon With Troops in the Field,’ held on Monday March 31, 2025 at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground, Port Harcourt Barracks.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede reminded the frontline troops that “This year’s Ramadan which coincided with the Lenten Season, serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of unity, mutual respect and peaceful co-existence as a nation. Indeed, this celebration is a season for sober reflection, spiritual renaissance, sacrifice and unwavering faith.”
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, who was represented by Commander, Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, said the season “also reminds us of the virtues of selflessness, discipline, unity and renewed commitment to the values of peace, generosity and selflessness that Islam teaches.” Principles, which he added, resonate deeply with the core values of the Nigerian Army, as he urged the troops to “uphold the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism in service to our beloved country.
“Your commitment and dedication to duty during this holy period deserves the highest recognition. While many are celebrating with their families, our troops remained at their duty posts across the various theatres of operations to safeguard our beloved nation with unwavering resolve.
“This celebration is a moment to show gratitude to God for life, peace and stability which we have been able to maintain across the country through your sacrifices in the different theatres of operations despite the grave dangers you face, Your sacrifices have ensured the security of our country, demonstrating your resilience, courage and professionalism while discharging your responsibilities.
“In keeping with the tenets of my Command philosophy, I remain committed to strengthening the operational capacity, welfare and combat readiness of our troops. This underscores the vital role of discipline, professionalism and inter-agency collaboration, all of which are crucial in tackling the contemporary security challenges confronting our nation.
“As we celebrate, we must remain mindful of our shared duty to uphold peace, unity and sovereignty of our beloved country. Our commitment to these ideals reinforces the trust placed in us to safeguard our country’s future.
“This aligns with the strategic objectives of Mr President which prioritizes national security and sustainable development. To our gallant officers and soldiers deployed across various theatres of operations who have continued to demonstrate remarkable courage and resilience in safeguarding the nation, your sacrifices do not go unnoticed and the Nigerian Army remains steadfast to supporting and empowering you as you fulfil your noble duty. I salute dedication to duty and unwavering sacrifices, selfless your determination to safeguard the sanctity of our great nation’s sovereignty and heritage,” Lt. Gen Oluyede said.
In his remarks, Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), represented by the new secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, described the luncheon as a “golden opportunity to appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of our gallant troops.”
He said, “The strength of any nation is immensely dependent on the capability of its military to protect its territorial integrity. Accordingly, I am glad to note that the Nigerian Army as a globally respected force has continued to evolve in warfare dynamics and operational preparedness despite the myriads of economic and security challenges bedeviling the country.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) expressed gratitude that the Nigerian Army “has continued to swiftly adopt new strategies in collaboration with sister services and security agencies to contain the security threats across the country.
“The efforts of the Nigerian Army in this regard, particularly in the protection of oil and gas facilities in Rivers State and across the Niger Delta region deserve special mention. The successful conduct of this onerous task has improved the oil production level with attendant positive effects on the economic fortunes of the country which would have been difficult if not impossible to achieve without the dedication and sacrifice of our troops.”
He further expressed confidence that the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, “which recognizes the importance of our troops, especially those on the frontline, will provide the necessary impetus for vigorous sustainment of the Nigerian Army transformational process.
“The Nigerian Army and indeed its sister services as well as security agencies have made tremendous efforts to improve the security situation in Rivers State and other neighbouring states. The collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the Niger Delta Region have improved significantly and my administration remains committed to o provide the enabling support to sustain and improve on these achievements,” Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for “providing the visionary leadership and resources to transform the security landscape of Rivers State and the Niger Delta region,” and “the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General O0 Oluyede, Nigerian Army Medal, for his efforts at maintaining high standards in the Nigerian Army since assuming command.”
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army Land Component Commander Joint Task Force (South South) Operation Delta Safe, Maj Gen EE Emekah, said the luncheon with frontline troops, organized “to appreciate the sacrifices of our troops,” was in line with the COAS Command philosophy, “which has sound administration, anchored on welfare as one of its main pillars.”
Maj Gen Emeka, who was represented by the Commander 6 Division Garrison/Commander Sector 3 Operations Delta Safe, Brig. Gen. Sani Ahmed, applauded the troops “for the good job you are doing for this great nation,” adding that “our operational activities have yielded the desired effect as is evident in the surge in oil production quota for a relatively consistent period. I therefore urge you to sustain the tempo for the good of our dear nation.
“I would also like to reassure the good people of Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta Region that 6 Division shall continue to conduct its operations in line with the best interest of the people and the nation. We pledge to continue to protect oil and gas infrastructure and deter crude oil theft and other criminality within the Joint Operation Area.
“This resolve is hinged on the COAS Command Philosophy which is to ‘Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Efectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,” Maj Gen Emekah said.
