Oborevwori Charges Security Agencies On Synergy, Continuous Capacity Building

DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged security and emergency-response agencies across the country to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and rapid response to emerging security threats.

Oborevwori gave the charge on Thursday in Asaba at the closing ceremony of the Rapid Response 3 Exercise, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through the Presidential Communication Command and Control Centre (PC4).

Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Ph.D., the Governor described the choice of Asaba as the venue for the exercise as a significant milestone, noting that Delta State was the first sub-national location outside the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to host the national exercise.

He said national security was a collective responsibility that required effective coordination among security agencies, traditional institutions and citizens.

Oborevwori said the complex and evolving nature of security challenges in Nigeria required courage and professionalism, as well as intelligence sharing, rapid response and strong collaboration among relevant agencies.

He described the Rapid Response 3 Exercise as an important initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality.

The Governor congratulated all participants on the successful completion of the exercise, saying the training had provided an opportunity for security and emergency-response institutions to test their readiness, strengthen operational coordination and improve their capacity to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

He noted that the exercise was particularly significant for Delta State because of its strategic position as an economic, commercial and maritime hub with sensitive national assets.

According to him, the peace and security of communities in Delta were essential not only to the wellbeing of residents but also to the economic stability and prosperity of Nigeria.

Oborevwori urged participating agencies to sustain the lessons, skills and partnerships gained from the exercise beyond the closing ceremony.

“It is also noteworthy to underscore that an exercise such as this should not end with the closing ceremony; the lessons learnt, skills acquired, the inter-agencies relationships established and the operational capabilities developed must be further sharpened, sustained beyond today and put to effective use,” he said.

The Governor assured that the Delta State Government would continue to support initiatives that promote peace, security and stability in the state.

He also pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, communities and other stakeholders.

Oborevwori stressed that no single institution could secure communities alone, urging all participants to return to their respective commands as ambassadors of the knowledge and experience acquired.

He called for the spirit of cooperation, professionalism and rapid response demonstrated during the exercise to become a permanent feature of Nigeria’s security architecture.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by the Director of the PC4 Office of the ONSA, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughon, commended Governor Oborevwori for his support and commitment to strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

Ribadu thanked the Governor for accepting to host the Rapid Response 3 Exercise in Delta State, describing it as the first of its kind held at the sub-national level outside the Federal Capital Territory.

“Your Excellency, we deeply appreciate your gracious acceptance to host the Rapid Response 3 in Delta State, the first of its kind outside the Federal Capital Territory.

“This gesture is a testament to your administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the people of Delta State, as well as your continued partnership with the Federal Government in advancing national security,” Ribadu said.

Oborevwori congratulated the participating agencies and urged them to apply the knowledge and operational experience gained from the exercise towards protecting lives, property and critical national assets.