Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for stronger collaboration between the state government and security agencies to curb insecurity and criminal activities such as pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering in the state’s waterways.

Fubara made the call on Thursday while hosting the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor recalled that Rivers State and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have enjoyed a long-standing and productive relationship over the years, adding that successive administrations have sustained the partnership.

He pledged his administration’s continued support for the Nigerian Air Force.

“My predecessors maintained a cordial working relationship with the Nigerian Air Force. You will recall that some years ago when the international airport was shut down, it was the NAF base that provided access to air transportation until the Port Harcourt International Airport was rehabilitated and reopened.
“So, supporting the Nigerian Air Force is not a mistake; it is simply a continuation of the relationship, understanding and vision that existed before my administration,” Fubara said.

The governor explained that the recent donation of an Augusta (AW) 139 helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force was approved by the State Executive Council after considering that the aircraft had been lying dormant but could be effectively deployed to enhance security operations.

“It was a decision of the Executive Council that since we have this asset which we are not using, and if it will assist the Nigerian Air Force in fighting insecurity, especially in our waterways where illegal oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism occur, then it is only wise to make it available.

“We believe that putting the aircraft into use will go a long way in tackling the criminal elements operating within our environment,” he said.

Fubara also noted that the rehabilitation of the runway at the NAF base would provide the military with the secure environment required for sensitive operations that might otherwise be exposed if carried out at public facilities such as the Port Harcourt International Airport.

Addressing the broader role of the military in society, the governor said he was pleased to see the armed forces not only focused on security but also contributing to education and healthcare within host communities.

He assured the CAS that the state government would consider the request for the possible handover of a public school and a health facility within the NAF base to enable the Air Force manage them more effectively.

“We want to assure you that our relationship with the Air Force is unshakeable. Without you and other security agencies, we may not enjoy the peaceful and business-friendly environment that Rivers State currently has,” the governor said.

Earlier, Aneke commended the Rivers State government for rehabilitating the runway at the Air Force base and for the donation of the Augusta (AW) 139 helicopter, as well as other support in infrastructure, accommodation and logistics.

The Air Chief also proposed that the Nigerian Air Force take over the management of the state-owned Mother and Child Hospital and a primary school located within the NAF base.

“In most developed countries, military hospitals are among the most sophisticated. Currently, about 80 per cent of the outpatients visiting our base hospital are members of the host community. Transferring the Mother and Child Hospital to us will enable us maximise the facility while easing access during emergencies,” he said.

Aneke described Rivers State as one of the country’s strategic states because of its central role in oil and gas production and its importance in maritime activities.
According to him, the Nigerian Air Force plays a critical role in securing oil and gas infrastructure and other key national assets in the state.

“It is a duty we proudly perform. Our efforts here have contributed to improved production and, by extension, increased revenue for both Rivers State and the federation.

“I sincerely appreciate you and the good people of Rivers State for the strong and consistent support extended to the Nigerian Air Force over the years. You have been wonderful hosts and we assure you that we will continue to serve and protect the interests of the state,” Aneke said.

In a statement, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, said the CAS also urged the state government to adopt modern surveillance-driven security systems to stay ahead of oil thieves, pipeline vandals and other criminal elements.

“I would like Rivers State to fight smart. It is no longer about numbers but about the mode of operation. In today’s warfare, drones and UAVs have changed the game. You can have a drone in the air for two days without refuelling and within minutes direct security agencies on where to act,” he said.