No Government Agency Has Visited Us Before – Otokolomabie Community Applauds Nigerian Army for Outreach
Otokolomabie Community in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State has praised the 146 Battalion Nigerian Army for its outreach in the area, saying that it was the first time any government agency was visiting the community.
Chairman of the community, William William gave this commendation on Monday, June 8, 2026 when the Commanding Officer of the 146 Battalion Nigerian Army, Lt Col David Omale led his officers and troops to the area for an outreach in furtherance of the Nigerian Army’s civil-military relationship drive.
Speaking through the community spokesman, Ataijong Amabi, the Community Chairman highlighted the challenges facing the area, pointing out that lack of social amenities, infrastructure and other interventions ha made life difficult for the residents.
“Our children cannot go to school because there is no school in this place, even hospital and other things that will make life good for us. We will be happy for you to help us with these things.”
He assured the visiting military team of his community’s support to the efforts of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to assure the safety of lives and property, while expressing the appreciation of the Community for the gesture.
Responding, the Commanding Officer, 146 Battalion Nigerian Army, Lt Col David Omale thanked the community for its peaceful disposition, saying that Bonny LGA has an agelong reputation for peace and hospitality.
He noted that given the tremendous economic assets belonging to the Federal Government in Bonny, the LGA remains the centrepiece of the nation’s security focus, pointing out that securing the economic assets and the surrounding communities was a collective responsibility.
He commended the community leadership for maintaining zero tolerance for vandalization of oil and gas infrastructure, oil theft, and criminality within and around Otokolomabie, assuring of the Nigerian Army’s support and protection, urging community members to go about their legitimate activities without any form of trepidation.
In attendance were the community’s Secretary; Apollos Matthew, Treasurer; Celestine Williams, elders; Matthew Fubara, Josiah Gogo, Lucky Amabi and Otunte Micah, and Youth President; Jeremiah Jeremiah, and a motley crowd of community members.
Highpoint of the event were donation of fishing gears, food stuffs and other materials to community members by the 146 Battalion, and presentation of fish and other sea foods as souvenir in appreciation to the Commanding Officer by the community.
The 146 Battalion Nigerian Army is tasked with the mandate of providing protective cover and defence of the nation’s economic assets and citizens resident around the Bonny section of the Gulf of Guinea security corridor.
