Garden City Games: Army Assures Of Security

The 2nd Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, has assured both participants and residents of the state maximum security during the on-going 17th National Sports Festival in Rivers State.

Commander of the 2nd Brigade in Port Harcourt, Brig.-Gen Tukur Bumatai gave the assurance in a chat with newsmen, yesterday.

Brig.-Gen Bumatai disclosed that the army had drafted its men as part of the security network guarding and patrolling the various sports venues and the festival village in Choba, Port Harcourt.

He noted that it was the responsibility of the Nigerian Army aside protecting the nation to also ensure the security of lives and property of the ordinary citizens, especially during such festivals.

With the upsurge of visitors and sports participants in the State, Brig.-Gen Bamatai said the army in collaborating with other security agents had beefed-up surveillance and patrols around the city, pointing out that the sports festival was a plus to the state growing status in the country.

The 2nd Brigade commander was of the view that the festival would boost the profile of the state and at the same time underscore its tourism potentials.

Meanwhile, spokesman of the 2nd Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Major Aminu Illayasu has urged residents of Port Harcourt to remain calm as there would be huge fireworks display during the opening ceremory of the festival today.

Major Illayasu said there was no need for alarm by residents, as the fireworks, were part of the festivities to herald the official commencement of the national festival.

He also assured residents of the state of maximum security during and after the festival since the army Anti-Kidapping Unit was poised to curb all forms of criminality in the state.