● As over 300 troops prepare to arrive in state soon
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the establishment of an Air Defence Regiment under the newly created 83 Division of the Nigerian Army will strengthen security, protect critical national assets and boost economic development in the state.
Oborevwori stated this on Thursday during an inspection of facilities and ongoing works for the establishment of the Nigerian Army Air Defence unit in Delta State.
The governor, who was accompanied by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Nigerian Army, Major General Thompson Ugiagbe, and Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Buhari, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies.
He said the newly established 83 Division, comprising Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states, would significantly enhance the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond swiftly to security threats across the three states.
According to him, the division has several component units, including an Air Defence unit, whose establishment in Delta was considered necessary because of the state’s strategic location and proximity to the airport.
Oborevwori disclosed that the state government had provided land for a temporary facility for the Air Defence unit while arrangements were being made for a permanent site.
He revealed that the first batch of between 300 and 400 military personnel was expected to arrive in the state within the next few weeks.
«“We need to support the security agencies because without security, there cannot be development,” the governor said.»
Oborevwori noted that the improved security architecture in Delta had contributed to a reduction in incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He said the presence of the new military formation would further enhance the protection of critical national assets, particularly oil and gas infrastructure located across the state.
«“The most important benefit is to secure national assets and the people. That is the truth. If you don’t have all these security formations here, you know how it will be,” he said.»
The governor commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property in Delta.
He said his administration would continue to strengthen its partnership with security agencies, noting that the collaboration had helped to boost the confidence of residents, investors and businesses operating in the state.
Oborevwori also recalled his recent visit to the Trans-Forcados pipeline area, where he said residents expressed satisfaction with the improved security situation.
He disclosed that the state government was working with the military and other stakeholders to provide the facilities required for the smooth take-off of the new formation.
The governor consequently directed the Commissioners for Housing and Lands to commence the necessary assessment and scoping of the temporary site, including an evaluation of existing structures that require attention.
He assured that the state government would provide the necessary support to ensure that the Air Defence unit commenced operations within the expected timeframe.
Oborevwori stressed that security remained a major pillar of his administration’s development agenda, noting that no meaningful economic or infrastructural development could be sustained without peace and stability.
