By Akanimo Kufre (Uyo)
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has commended the Federal Government for the establishment of 6 Division and 2 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, saying that the Army formation would checkmate criminality within the Niger Delta region of the country.
Governor Emmanuel stated this during his interaction with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Okon Udoh, who was on a courtesy visit on him at the Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Uyo.
He said that the establishment of the Division would enhance the security architecture of the Nigerian Armed Forces and reposition the Army for overall maintenance of peace and security in the states within its jurisdiction.
The Governor assured the officer of partnership in the area of logistics and solicited support to his administration.
While commending Major Udoh, an indigene of Etinan, for his exploit in the Army, Governor Emmanuel spoke of him as a gallant soldier who has made the state proud through hard work and dedication to assigned duties.
He expressed appreciation to the Army Authorities for recognising his diligence which culminated in his posting as commander of the newly created 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.
Mr Emmanuel appealed to the Officer to assist in the recruitment of Akwa Ibom youths into the Army and other Paramilitary organisations to enable the state fill its quota in the institutions and particularly commended the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General T. Y Buratai, for granting approval for establishment of Command Secondary School in Etinan Local Government Area urging him to commence full academic activities in the school by September.
Earlier, Major General Udoh said he came to intimate the Governor of his assumption of office as commander of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army.
He explained that the sixth Division command of the Nigerian Army which covers Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states was founded to combat militancy, cultism, communal clashes, kidnapping, Oil bunkering, activities of MASSOP and other security threats prevalent in the Niger Delta region.
The GOC pointed out that the Division has recorded successes in it operations and has included ‘Operation Checkmate’ which he described as a clandestine operation set up to check extortion and molestation of commuters in the four states under the Division.
Major Udoh expressed appreciation to the Governor for the support given to the 2 Brigade Command and solicited more assistance particularly in the provision of vehicles, Office accommodation, communication facilities, rehabilitation of water Plant at Ibagwa Barrack, among others.
The Commander used the occasion to invite Governor Emmanuel to the operationalization ceremony of the 6 Division slated for 13 July saying that Governors of the four states under the Division would attain.
Major General Enobong Udoh was accompanied by Commander 56 Division Signal Brigade, Brigadier General M. A. Sanusi; Commander Division Ordinance Services Brigadier General C. F. J. Udaye; Commander Military Intelligence Brigade Brigadier General E. S. Buba; Commander Division Supply and Transport Brigadier General A. H. Ibrahim; and Deputy Director Army Public Relations of the 6 Division Brigadier General A. Iliyasu.
