Gov Fubara admits war against pipeline attacks, oil theft, making impact

The war by the Nigerian Army against pipeline attacks and oil bunkering is yielding huge results, so says Gov Sim Fubara of Rivers State.

The governor has thus hailed the Nigerian Army over its efforts in combating pipeline vandalism and illegal oil bunkering.

Gov Fubara gave the commendation on Friday,July 3, 2026, when Waidi Shaibu, a Lieutenant General and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt.

The COAS, accompanied by Emmanuel Emekah, a Major-General and General Officer Commanding (GOC) the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, and other senior officers of the Nigerian Army were on the visit as part of activities heralding the 163rd Nigerian Army Day celebration holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In his welcome remarks, Gov Fubara said that the efforts of the military in curbing disruptions in oil production has resulted in the production of higher levels of crude oil and more revenue to the country. He noted that the operations of the 6th Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, have also helped Rivers State in terms of security of lives and property.

Gov Fubara congratulated the COAS on his appointment, stating that a lot of positive things have happened in the security sector within the short period he (Shaibu) has been on the saddle.

“I’m commending you because within the short period that you’ve been appointed, I can conveniently say that there are a lot of positive things that our state has recorded in terms of security. I wish that your tenure will record a lot more positive improvements for the Nigerian Army.

“I want to also say that we are really happy that in the face of everything, you chose Rivers State for this very wonderful celebration. This is significant for us. It speaks to two things: that Rivers State is peaceful and Rivers State is worth securing,” he said.

Gov Fubara pledged more support for the Nigerian Army, stressing that Rivers State would continue to work with the military to ensure that its personnel operating in the state receive maximum cooperation to do their jobs.

“You’re doing this work and every one of us is enjoying the positive effects. We owe you our support. We are not going to rest on our oars in ensuring that we do whatever we need to do to make you succeed,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff briefed Gov Fubara on his mission in the state, and expressed profound gratitude to the
Rivers State Government for always providing support to the 6th Division to conduct its operations.

“I want to specifically thank you for the support you have rendered us especially the infrastructure, the stadium that you have put at our disposal for hosting the event and other things that you have done at the Divisional HQ as part of your own contributions to ensure the success of the celebration,” he said.

According to the COAS, it is a week-long programme featuring various activities that will impact positively in various communities, as part of the Civil – Military relations to win the hearts and minds of the people.