Governor Umo Eno Advocates for New Army Battalion in Akwa Ibom State

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called for the establishment of an additional Army battalion along the Oron axis in the southern part of the state. This request is aimed at addressing the ongoing security challenges in the state’s coastal areas.

Governor Eno made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, at the Government House in Uyo on Monday, August 26, 2024. The Army Chief was in the state for the combined 2nd and 3rd quarters edition of the 2024 Chief of Army Staff Conference, which will be held from August 26 to August 30, 2024.

The Governor expressed his appreciation for the Army’s role in maintaining security across the country and highlighted the importance of the synergy between Army formations and other security agencies in Akwa Ibom. He assured the COAS of the state government’s full support for the establishment of the new Army base in Oron.

In his response, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja commended the peaceful and welcoming environment of Akwa Ibom, which influenced the decision to hold the conference in the state. He noted that while the conference is usually held in Abuja or troubled regions as a show of force, Akwa Ibom was chosen for its tranquility, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere to discuss national security issues.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja also thanked the Akwa Ibom State Government for its infrastructural and logistical support to the 2 Brigade headquarters and reassured the Governor of the Army’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the state’s residents.