We Need More Military Presence In Akwa Ibom, Gov. Eno Begs COAS

Governor Umo Eno has urged Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to establish additional Army Battalion on the southern waterways of Akwa Ibom state.

The governor made the request Monday in Uyo as he received the COAS who leads the Army to Akwa Ibom for a combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters 2024 COAS Conference which opened Tuesday.

Umo, on justification for the request, noted that Akwa Ibom as a leading oil producer in the country, needs a new battalion, preferably in the Oron Federal Constituency of the State.

He emphasised that new battalion would reinforce the “security architecture of the State”, as he acknowledged the synergy between the Army and other security agencies as major boost to the security Akwa Ibom.

The COAS, Lt Gen Lagbaja, during the courtesy call had told Governor the hospitable ambience of the state informed the choice of Akwa Ibom as host for the conference.

Lagbaja explained that the event before now, had usually hold in Abuja and only held in troubled spots outside the nation’s capital to stage a show of force.

He said the case in Akwa Ibom was different as they were in to relax and discuss serious national security concerns.

He appreciated Akwa Ibom State for infrastructural and logistic support extended to the 2 Brigade Headquarters among other assistance to security formations in state, assuring on continuous commitment of the Army to exert itself in ensuring security in the state.

Lt Gen Lagbaja as part of the day’s activities also inaugurated a 55,000-litre water facility and an electricity transformer at Mbiokporo Cantonment of the Army in Uyo.

“I am very pleased with the level of infrastructure upgrade in this cantonment. What we have done today is add to what you already have, and to enhance your welfare and readiness for work,” he told men of the cantonment.