SECURITY IS A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY:AS OBOREVWORI, RALLIES STAKEHOLDERS AGAINST INSECURITY
By Gilbert Olie
ASABA – Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has announced fresh security measures aimed at tackling kidnapping, terrorism and other criminal activities, while calling for stronger collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional rulers and residents to safeguard lives and property across the state.
Speaking on Wednesday at the Delta State Security Summit 2026 held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the governor declared that security is a collective responsibility requiring the active participation of every stakeholder.
The summit, themed "Security: A Collective Responsibility," brought together heads of security agencies, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, and members of the business community to deliberate on practical strategies for improving security across the state.
Governor Oborevwori described security as the bedrock of economic growth and social stability, stressing that no society can prosper in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
He highlighted his administration's efforts to strengthen the state's security architecture, revealing that Operation Delta Sweep, the state's joint security outfit, had been restructured and has continued to record significant successes in combating crime.
The governor also disclosed that the State Executive Council had approved the construction of divisional police headquarters in all 25 local government areas as part of preparations for the proposed state police system.
According to him, the establishment of the Delta State Security Trust Fund is expected to enhance public-private sector collaboration in supporting security operations, while additional operational vehicles and security equipment will soon be procured to boost the capacity of security agencies.
Oborevwori further assured that security personnel would continue to receive regular training to improve operational effectiveness.
Urging residents to play their part in combating crime, the governor emphasized the importance of timely intelligence sharing, saying: "If you see something, say something," noting that credible information from the public remains vital to successful security operations.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said the summit was convened in response to the nation's growing security challenges and the need for proactive engagement with critical stakeholders to develop practical and lasting solutions.
He explained that the gathering was designed to identify prevailing security threats while charting actionable strategies to strengthen peace and security across Delta State.
In separate goodwill messages, the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet; Commander of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare; and Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, commended Governor Oborevwori for his consistent support for security agencies.
Brigadier General Shonibare particularly praised the governor's intervention during tensions arising from the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation exercise, noting that his leadership helped prevent a potential crisis.
"Governor Oborevwori has demonstrated uncommon commitment to security. His intervention and engagement with stakeholders helped prevent unnecessary bloodshed and contributed significantly to the peace we currently enjoy," he said.
He also observed that incidents of kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state had reduced considerably due to improved collaboration among government, communities and security agencies.
Delivering the keynote lecture, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP John Oyeniyi, stressed that today's complex security challenges require a whole-of-society approach.
He identified kidnapping, cybercrime, cultism, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, drug trafficking and communal conflicts as some of the major threats confronting the country, emphasizing that effective security depends on sustained collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious organisations, the private sector and citizens.
The summit concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening community participation, improving intelligence gathering and deepening collaboration to protect lives and property, while sustaining Delta State's reputation as one of Nigeria's most peaceful and investment-friendly states.
