By Sandra Kenneth
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has welcomed the Federal Government’s approval for the establishment of a new Nigerian Army Brigade in the Ahoada axis of the state.Fubara described the formation as a strategic decision that will help reduce agitation, tension and security challenges prevalent in that part of the state.
He spoke on Friday, October 9, 2026, while receiving the new Commander, 6 Division Garrison and Sector 3, Joint Task Force (South-South) Operation Delta Safe, Brigadier General Ismaila Sule, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for siting the new formation in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara assured the Army of his administration’s continued support in protecting oil and gas facilities and other critical national assets in the state, noting that successive administrations in Rivers have maintained a mutually beneficial relationship with the military. He stressed that his government would never ask the military to do anything that would undermine its professional responsibilities or oppress citizens, adding that his only interest is peace, progress and development of Rivers State.
Earlier, Brig. Gen. Sule thanked Governor Fubara for the warm reception and for the consistent support of the State Government to the Army.
He disclosed that following President Tinubu’s directive to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 Divisions, Rivers State will benefit from the expansion with a new Brigade to be stationed in Ahoada along with its affiliate battalions.
Brig. Gen. Sule said the visit was to officially introduce himself to the Governor as the new Garrison Commander and to inform him of his plans to tour all 23 Local Government Areas in the state and nearby military formations. He assured that under his command, the Army would do its best to ensure lasting peace and security across Rivers State.
Meanwhile, reactions have continued to trail the establishment of Army Brigade in Ahoada.
“We Welcome Army Brigade To Ahoada, Pledge Full Support” – Eze Ekpeye Logbo
The Acting Eze Ekpeye Logbo, His Majesty, HRM Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, Eze Igbu Akoh Kingdom, has welcomed the approval of a new Army Brigade in Ahoada, Rivers State.
“We welcome the Army Brigade to Ahoada and pledge our full support and cooperation,” the monarch said in a statement on Saturday.
HRM Eze Ikegbidi said the establishment of the Brigade will go a long way in tackling insecurity, cult-related violence and criminality along the Orashi axis and the East-West Road.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for making the formation a reality. The monarch assured the Nigerian Army of the readiness of Ekpeye people to collaborate fully to ensure lasting peace in the area.
Orashi National Congress Hails Fubara, Tinubu Over New Army Brigade In Ahoada
The Orashi National Congress (ONC) under Amb. Comrade Emeni Ibe, has commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for receiving the new Commander, 6 Division Garrison, Brig. Gen. Ismaila Sule, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
In a statement on Saturday, ONC said it welcomes the historic approval by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for a new Army Brigade in Ahoada.According to the group, the brigade is a long overdue gift to Orashi Nation that will help end cultism, secure the East-West Road and protect national assets.
ONC pledged full collaboration with the Nigerian Army to ensure the success of the new formation.
