Eid-el-Fitr: Army chief, Rivers Administrator commend 6 Division for safeguarding national security

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi O. Oluyede, and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, have commended the officers and men of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, for their continued efforts in protecting the nation’s territorial integrity and critical infrastructure.

The commendations were made during the Chief of Army Staff’s ‘Eid-el-Fitr Celebration Luncheon with Troops in the Field,’ held at the 29 Battalion Parade Ground, Port Harcourt Barracks.

The COAS praised the troops for their sacrifices, commitment, and dedication to safeguarding “our beloved nation with unwavering resolve.” The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), also commended the Nigerian Army for its role in protecting oil and gas facilities in Rivers State and across the Niger Delta region, a measure which has ensured improved oil production levels.

Lt. Gen. Oluyede reminded the frontline troops that the 2025 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,” he stated.

Represented by the Commander of the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, Lt. Gen. Oluyede further remarked that 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.” These principles, 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 deserve the highest recognition. While many are celebrating with their families, our troops have 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 the 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 prioritise 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. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in supporting and empowering you as you fulfil your noble duty. I salute your dedication to duty, your unwavering sacrifices, and your selflessness in safeguarding the sanctity of our great nation’s sovereignty and heritage,” Lt. Gen. Oluyede stated.

On his part, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika, described the luncheon as a golden opportunity to appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of the nation’s gallant troops.

He remarked, “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 myriad of economic and security challenges bedevilling 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. This achievement would have been difficult, if not impossible, without the dedication and sacrifice of our troops.”

He further expressed confidence that the Command Philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, “which recognises the importance of our troops, especially those on the frontline, will provide the necessary impetus for the vigorous sustainment of the Nigerian Army’s 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 providing 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 praised “the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General O. 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 E.E. Emekah, said the luncheon with frontline troops, organised “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 Emekah, who was represented by the Commander of 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 interests 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 Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment,'” Maj Gen Emekah said.

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