The Akwa Ibom State Government has expressed its dedication to enhancing security inside the state through a collaborative effort with the Nigerian Army. As a display of dedication to the collaboration, the State government has expressed its intention to provide 14 additional patrol boats to enhance military surveillance in the waterways of the state. These vessels will be equipped with mounted machine guns to further augment their capabilities.
The agreement was finalized when Governor Pastor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State met Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, as part of his official visit to military formations and units within the Nigerian Army 6 Division, paid a respectful visit to the governor at Government House, Uyo.
In extending a warm welcome to the Chief of Army Staff, the Governor expressed admiration for the Nigerian Army's diligent efforts and collaborative approach with other security organizations in safeguarding the state. The Governor emphasized the significance of establishing the Ministry of Internal Security, led by a retired Army General, as evidence of his administration's prioritization of security. This initiative aims to foster enhanced coordination and cooperation between the government and security agencies.
Consequently, he expressed the state's unequivocal dedication to partnering with the Chief of Army Staff and fostering cooperation in various domains of shared requirements, with the ultimate goal of promoting peace and stability within the state, as well as across the entire nation.
The Chief of the Army Staff, Lagbaja, stated that his visit to the military formations in the region aimed to evaluate their actions and level of preparedness for operations, among other objectives.
The individual characterized the reception he received in the state as notably positive and expressed gratitude for the support provided by the state government to the Nigerian Army 2 Brigade, which in turn encompasses the 6 Division responsible for the South-South region.
Lagbaja, formerly holding the position of Commander 2 Brigade, Uyo, prior to being appointed as Nigeria's 23rd Chief of Army Chief, expressed his familiarity with the difficulties encountered by the state due to its unique geographical position. He further pledged the Army's dedication to collaborating with the state government in effectively tackling these challenges.
