News
We’re Donating Helicopter To NAF To Enhance Nigeria’s Security, Economic Rebound – Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the government is handing over Agusta Westland AW139 Helicopter to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to strategically contribute to efforts to boost national security operations, enhance aerial surveillance and emergency response capabilities while increasing crude oil production to upscale revenue for development purposes.
The Governor said that the handover, which took place at the 115 Special Operations Group of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, last Wednesday, reinforces the commitment of his administration to safeguard national economic assets by improving performance, efficiency and adaptability of personnel to difficult terrains in the State.
Governor Fubara explained that as a member of the committee saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that critical national assets of the Federal Government of Nigeria, domiciled in the Niger Delta are protected and secured to enhance increased oil production, it was incumbent on him to implement measures to achieve success.
He said: “And, as part of our responsibility, we are required to provide basic support in the form of logistics for effective operation, not just for the Air Force but including the Army, Navy, Police, NSCDC and the Directorate of State Security Services.
“Knowing fully well that we are saddled with this responsibility, we were confronted with this request that, having left our Augusta Westland AW139 Helicopter here for so many years, to donate it to the Air Force for optimum utilisation.”
Governor Fubara stated that the helicopter, owned by the Rivers State Government, had been out of operation because the contractor (Aero) the government gave it to use for commercial purposes refused to remit agreed revenue.
He said, “So, there was a problem between Aero Contractor and the previous administration where this helicopter was forcefully retrieved from them. Since then, it has been abandoned here at the Air Force Base.
“When we received the request from the Chief of the Air Staff that they are interested, if we will be willing to donate it, for security operations, we didn’t hesitate. We brought it before the State Executive Council, we deliberated on it, and agreed that the success of the operations of the Air Force in securing critical assets is paramount to us, and serves the interest of the State.”
Governor Fubara pointed to immense benefits an increased production level of crude oil will have on the general economic wellbeing of Nigeria, and specifically, Rivers State.
The consideration, he said, was therefore, not frightful to make because the course for which it was being donated is worthwhile, and shows unalloyed support to President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government policy to achieve improved revenue to address critical development challenges.
He added, “And, what we are doing today is a demonstration of our commitment. This is not politics. This is a sincere commitment to support the operations, and the success of Nigeria. We did not request for anything. Our only request is that this donation should be adequately and effectively used to secure lives, national assets and major operations in Rivers State and the Niger Delta at large.”
Governor Fubara also said: “So, we are doing this today, officially handing over this asset of Rivers State Government to the Nigerian Air Force, and we are doing it in the open, not in the secret. We are doing it here to let the world know that we are not exchanging it for anything. It is purely a support for the success of this country.
“We are happy that this is happening in our own time. We are happy that the records and history will have it that our administration paid serious attention to security of lives and property of our people in our time.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for his commitment and noble request in that regard, and explained other areas that the State Government has continued to provide support like resurfacing the runway of the Air Force Base, and housing facility, which affirms the robust partnership that exists.
The Governor stated: “We will continue to do everything within our power to complement what the Federal Government is doing. What the President is doing is to ensure that lives and property of our people are safe, critical national assets are secured, oil production level is increased. We are not going back on it. We will continue to support that course.”
Formally receiving the helicopter, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar said the generous handover of the Agusta Westland 139 Helicopter by the Rivers State Government to the Air Force exemplifies the collaborative approach that is needed to strengthen national security.
He stated that such gesture will ensure a more responsive, agile, and capable force to address contemporary security challenges, especially because the security landscape in Nigeria demands dynamic and proactive measures to counter the evolving threats posed by non-state actors.
He added, “The AW139 Helicopter will significantly enhance our operational capacity, particularly in tactical airlift, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts. With its advanced avionics, high-speed capability, and versatility, this platform will improve our ability to conduct rapid response missions and humanitarian operations.
“The addition of this aircraft to our fleet further underscores our commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians. The operational effectiveness of any air asset depends not only on its acquisition but also on the availability of well-trained personnel and a robust maintenance support system.
“I am pleased to announce that the Nigerian Air Force has already commenced comprehensive training programmes for our pilots, engineers, and technicians to ensure the optimal utilization of this helicopter. Furthermore, we are strengthening our maintenance infrastructure to guarantee the sustainability and serviceability of this asset in the long run.”
In his address, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshall E.O.E. Ebiowei, said the Nigerian Air Force, is delighted to formally receive the donation of the AW139 Helicopter from the Rivers State Government, and stressed that the donation forms part of ongoing collaboration that has continued to enhance the operational capabilities of the Air Force that also includes the provision of suitable accommodation and facilitation of effective air operations from the Port Harcourt Base.
Air Vice Marshall Ebiowei said: “As we formally take delivery of this critical asset, I wish to reassure the Chief of the Air Staff and our strategic partners of our unwavering commitment to operational excellence. We will continue to leverage advance training, stringent safety measures and innovative approaches to maximize the effectiveness of this platform to fulfilling national security objectives.”
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo signed the hand over document onbehalf of the Rivers State Government while Director of Works, Air Commodore Haliru Badamasi signed on behalf of the Chief of Logistics, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force.
After the signing, Badamasi handed over the document to the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, who handed it over to the Chief of Training and Operations, who finally handed it over to the Chief of the Air Staff during the ceremony.
News
Rivers DPOs Receive Awards For Outstanding Performance In Crime Prevention …As Students, Media Group Honour CSP Worgu, CSP Yusuf
Two Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Rivers State have been honoured by separate groups for their contributions to security, crime prevention and improved community-police relations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The beneficiaries are the DPO of Afam Police Division, CSP Endurance Worgu and his counterpart at Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf.
CSP Worgu was honoured by a group of students under the aegis of Rivers State Graduate Students Associations for what they described as his commitment and outstanding performance in the discharge of his duties.
The students, led by Chidi John Enyie, Esq. said CSP Worgu was selected based on his track record and status as one of the longest-serving young DPOs of Rivers State origin.
According to the group, CSP Worgu has made significant contributions to the protection of lives and property in the area since assuming office following the #EndSARS period.
The students said they were particularly impressed by the improvement in community-police relations under his leadership, noting that professionalism had remained a key feature of his service.
Enyie represented by Comrade Briggs Soku, said the students community was pleased to identify with a Rivers indigene who had distinguished himself in the police force.
He said the students considered it necessary to encourage and celebrate CSP Worgu because of his achievements as a young Rivers man excelling in a profession that many people from the state were often reluctant to join.
Receiving the award at his office in Afam, CSP Worgu expressed gratitude to God and the students for finding him worthy of the honour.
The DPO said the recognition had boosted his morale and encouraged him to sustain his efforts towards maintaining peace and security in the area.
He said he least expected the honour, particularly because it came from the students, adding that the recognition would further motivate him to serve the people better.
CSP Worgu assured residents of Afam that the police would sustain the existing peace in the area.
He appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing credible and timely information, stressing that useful information from residents would make the job of security personnel easier.
Meanwhile, the Ikwerre/Etche Media Association has also honoured the DPO of Oyigbo Police Division, CSP Bello Yusuf, for his efforts in tackling criminal activities in the area.
The media group presented the award following the swift tracking and arrest of five suspected kidnappers who had allegedly terrorised residents of the Kom-Kom axis and other parts of Oyigbo.
The group commended CSP Bello for what it described as his determined efforts to restore confidence and security in the affected communities, particularly Kom-Kom and Obeama.
According to the group, the arrest of the suspects demonstrated the DPO’s commitment to tackling criminality and safeguarding residents.
The media association said residents had received the development with relief, noting that the police action had sent a strong message to criminal elements operating in the area.
Responding, CSP Yusuf appreciated the group for the recognition and reaffirmed that there would be no room for criminality in Oyigbo.
He also commended the media for its role in disseminating credible information to the public, saying the media had remained supportive of the police in the fight against crime.
CSP Yusuf warned criminal elements operating in Oyigbo to leave the area or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
He assured residents that the police would continue to pursue criminals and work to dismantle their hideouts, regardless of where they might be operating.
News
College Of Bishops Endorses Tinubu, APC Candidates For 2027 Polls
The 5000 Achievers Christian Forum and Colleges of Bishops, Archbishops and Apostles, a Christian interdenominational organisation, has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections.
International President of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, disclosed this during the ordination and consecration of three new Bishops, as well as an award ceremony held in Port Harcourt.
Aroh said the performance of the APC-led Federal Government had endeared the party to the organisation, prompting the forum to declare its support for President Tinubu and other APC candidates in Rivers State.
He said the forum would support all APC candidates in the state during the 2027 elections and urged Nigerians to vote for the party.
Aroh, who is also the General Overseer of Caring Peoples Church, Port Harcourt, charged the newly consecrated Bishops to see their new positions as a great responsibility and dedicate themselves to the advancement of the kingdom of God.
He cautioned them against conduct capable of bringing their offices into disrepute, stressing that their activities would be closely watched by members of the public.
“As Bishops, the eyes of the public are on your activities. You must therefore conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of your calling,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the forum, Bishop Saint Robinson, urged the newly consecrated Bishops to work diligently towards winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Robinson, who was the guest speaker at the event, stressed that the activities of Bishops must at all times be guided by godly principles.
He also called on members of the church to support and cooperate with the newly consecrated Bishops in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The Secretary of the College, Apostle Elizabeth Ayadi Abaye, said the organisation was established to advance the kingdom of God and promote spiritual development.
According to her, the forum has organised several crusades, conferences, prayer meetings, ordinations, consecrations, enthronements, empowerment programmes and other spiritual development activities across the country as part of efforts to win souls for Christ.
Abaye said the organisation has members across the world and disclosed that more programmes had been scheduled to promote the spiritual development and wellbeing of humanity.
The three Bishops consecrated at the ceremony were Prince Alban Chike, Testimony Omenihu Shedrach and Prince Ifemena.
Among those honoured at the event were the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Abali Community, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Manuchimso Prince Lemmy Wopara, and Clifford Oko Jaja, Coordinator of the 5,000 House-to-House for President Tinubu.
By: John Bibor
News
Police Arrest Fake Soldier, Others For Armed Robbery, Kidnapping
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 49-year-old suspected fake soldier, Andrew Atausi, and several other suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, one-chance robbery and the alleged murder of police officers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, recently during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, where he said the arrests formed part of the operational achievements recorded by the Command between June and August 2026.
Adepoju said Atausi was arrested on August 10 by police operatives along Ada George, Port Harcourt, while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in Army colours.
The Commissioner said investigation revealed that Atausi was not a member of the Armed Forces, adding that he was suspected to be a serial car snatcher, with three suspected stolen vehicles recovered from him.
He said the recovered vehicles included three Toyota Hilux vehicles without registration numbers and a Toyota Corona Premio with registration number BNY 380 ES, noting that the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had allegedly been tampered with.
Adepoju added that an axe and military accoutrements were also recovered from Atausi, as investigation continued into the circumstances surrounding the vehicles and other items recovered from him.
On the June 29 attack on police officers at Aluu Division, the Commissioner said three members of the gang allegedly responsible for the incident had been arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU.
The suspects, identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, 34, alleged gang leader; Doctor Chinedu Owhor, 42, and Kamachi Joe, 28, alleged armourer, reportedly led operatives to their hideout at Omagwa where two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were recovered.
Adepoju recalled that two police officers were killed during the Aluu attack, while others were wounded and one officer had his leg amputated, stressing that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fourth suspect.
On kidnapping, the Commissioner said five members of a suspected kidnapping syndicate were arrested in Oyigbo Local Government Area, adding that they allegedly confessed to operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities.
He said two other suspects from the same network, Anele Ogbogu, 35, alleged to be the gang’s armourer, and Kenneth Eke, 38, were arrested on July 27, with one AK-47 rifle and one SMG rifle recovered.
The Commissioner further disclosed the arrest of suspects in connection with alleged firearm offences, armed robbery, cultism and one-chance robbery, with firearms, ammunition and other exhibits recovered during the operations.
Adepoju assured residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing in collaboration with other security agencies, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the police in combating crime across Rivers State.
By; King Onunwor
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