The criticality of effective collaboration among security agencies has been emphasized, particularly in a joint and complex operating environment that the security agencies navigate in the Niger Delta Region (NDR). The General Officer Commanding (GOC ), 6 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), Major General Jamal Abdussalam has today 22 October 2024, emphasized this when the newly posted Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala paid him a courtesy call at Headquarters, 6 Division, Port Harcourt Barracks.
Major General Abdussalam disclosed that Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is a key partner to the NA, adding that if NPF couldn’t contain a situation, that’s when the NA would be called upon to deploy men and equipment. He further stressed that if the NPF didn’t succeed, it means all other security agencies have failed, maintaining that all the agencies are working for a common goal. The failure of one is the failure of all, stressing that if there is crisis in Rivers State, all the security agencies would be blamed, when there is peace, all will take the credit. He called on all security agencies to continue to synergise and cooperate with the NPF in discharging their responsibilities in the NDR.
The GOC stated that collaboration with other security agencies is part of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja command philosophy, which placed emphasis on joint environment. This, he said is a mandate from COAS to collaborate with other security agencies, while assuring the newly posted Commissioner of Police that 6 Division under his watch will continue on the trajectory of collaboration with the NPF to effectively secure Rivers State. He urged commanders of various formations and units to continue to synergise and collaborate with the NPF.
Earlier, while marking his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala thanked the GOC for his support to the command. He added that the visit to Headquarters 6 Division was basically to seek for more collaboration and support from the GOC and also tap from his wealth of experience as one of the senior military commanders in the State.
CP Mustapha disclosed that he was posted to the Rivers State at trying time and without the cooperation of other security agencies, most especially the NA, it will be difficult to achieve parity in the operating environment. He also expressed his appreciation to the GOC, and pledged effective collaboration with the NA in the State.
CP Bala reiterated his commitment to work with the NA under the leadership of the GOC, urging that he should considered as one of NA officers posted to work under the GOC. He reassured the GOC of maximum support and cooperation to enable security agencies effectively navigate the complex operating environment in Rivers State.