Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for stronger local participation and enhanced inter-agency cooperation to address Nigeria’s rising security challenges, particularly in the South–South region.
Governor Fubara made the call while declaring open the South–South Zonal Public Hearing on National Security in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Benibo Anabraba, the Governor said the growing threats of piracy, sea robbery, illegal bunkering, crude oil theft, kidnapping, cybercrime, and cult-related violence demand urgent and collective action.
He stressed that security strategies must reflect the unique coastal environment of the South–South, which serves as a gateway to international waters and the Gulf of Guinea, and must also consider the region’s socio-economic realities.
He added that the state government will continue to invest in intelligence-sharing, proactive interventions, community participation, and youth empowerment to reduce vulnerabilities exploited by criminal networks.
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Governor Fubara reaffirmed the Rivers State Government’s constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property.
He noted that his administration has continued to support federal security agencies with operational vehicles, boats, aircraft support, accommodation, and welfare for both active personnel and legionnaires.
However, he cautioned that “security is not the business of government alone but a shared responsibility of every person and institution,” urging participants to use the summit as a feedback platform through which community voices can guide national policy responses.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the South–South Public Hearing of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on National Security, Senator Abba Moro, said the Senate cannot make meaningful contributions to improving security without a deep understanding of the local dynamics driving insecurity across the country.
He described the public hearing as a deliberate effort by the Senate to diagnose and respond to rising threats, including crude oil theft, illegal bunkering, environmental sabotage, banditry, farmer–herder conflicts, communal clashes, kidnapping, terrorism, and the destruction of farmlands.
“These challenges may vary from one region to another, but the consequences are the same: loss of lives, displacement, economic stagnation, and erosion of public trust.
“Our goal is to build a safe, stable and prosperous Nigeria where citizens can move freely and where national resources are protected,” he said.
Moro reaffirmed the 10th Senate’s commitment, under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, to improving Nigeria’s security environment through robust legislation and oversight.
He also commended the Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, for its hospitality and support in hosting the South–South session.
Although the South–South is often associated with maritime crimes and crude-oil-related conflicts, rising fears of inter-ethnic and religious tensions have begun to unsettle communities, as Christian leaders call for more proactive measures to prevent such incidents.
The Secretary-General of the Christian Association of Nigeria (South–South), Bishop Lazarus Azia, emphasised the need for approval of neighbourhood watch structures and state policing.
Alhaji Uhor of the Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs pledged the faith’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders to ensure peace and security in the region.
The Nigeria Police Force, represented by ACP Okoro Iyke, in charge of Operations at the Rivers State Police Command, also restated the Force’s commitment to its duties.
