Oborevwori Rallies Delta Stakeholders Against Terror, Kidnapping At Security Summit
Delta Convenes Security Summit Amid Rising National Concerns
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens in confronting terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats.
The governor made the appeal during the Delta State Security Summit 2026 held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, where stakeholders gathered under the theme, “Security: A Collective Responsibility.”
The summit attracted heads of security agencies, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, as well as members of the business community, all united by a common goal of strengthening peace and security across the state.
Security Remains Foundation for Development
Delivering the keynote address, Governor Oborevwori stressed that sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
According to him, peace and stability remain essential ingredients for economic growth, investment attraction and social progress.
“Security remains the foundation of every prosperous society. Without peace and stability, economic growth slows, investments decline and communities struggle to thrive. This is why the protection of lives and property remains one of the most important responsibilities of government,” he said.
The governor noted that while the constitution assigns law enforcement responsibilities to government and security agencies, lasting peace can only be achieved when communities actively participate in safeguarding their environment.
Strengthening Delta’s Security Architecture
Oborevwori highlighted measures taken by his administration to improve security operations across the state.
He disclosed that the government had restructured and strengthened Operation Delta Sweep, the state’s joint security outfit, leading to notable successes in crime prevention and response.
The governor also revealed 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 eventual implementation of state policing.
In addition, he pointed to the establishment of the Delta State Security Trust Fund, designed to enhance collaboration between government and the private sector in funding security operations.
He assured residents that the government was in the process of acquiring additional operational vehicles and security equipment while investing in the training and retraining of security personnel.
Call for Community Intelligence and Vigilance
A major focus of the summit was the role of citizens in intelligence gathering and information sharing.
The governor urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities.
“If you don’t share information, security agencies are not magicians. They operate based on intelligence and credible information. Criminals thrive when communities remain silent and stakeholders work in isolation,” he said.
He emphasized that effective security systems are built on trust, vigilance, cooperation and timely intelligence.
The governor further condemned all acts of terrorism across the country and reaffirmed Delta State’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ensuring national security.
Security Agencies Commend Government’s Support
Security chiefs present at the summit praised the governor’s commitment to maintaining peace and supporting security operations.
Among those who delivered goodwill messages were the Chief of Civil-Military Relations of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet; Commander of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare; and Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu.
Brigadier General Shonibare particularly commended the governor’s intervention in managing tensions arising from the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation exercise.
According to him, proactive engagement by the governor helped prevent violence and contributed significantly to the peaceful atmosphere currently enjoyed in the state.
He also noted that incidents of kidnapping and violent crimes had reduced due to improved cooperation among communities, security agencies and government institutions.
Experts Advocate Whole-of-Society Approach
Speaking on the summit theme, Delta State Commissioner of Police, John Oyeniyi, stressed that contemporary security threats require collective solutions.
He identified kidnapping, cybercrime, cultism, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, drug trafficking and communal conflicts as major challenges confronting the country.
The police commissioner argued that no single institution can effectively address these threats alone, emphasizing the importance of partnerships among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious organisations, businesses and citizens.
Stakeholders Renew Commitment
At the end of deliberations, participants reaffirmed their determination to work together to safeguard lives and property across Delta State.
The summit concluded with renewed calls for stronger community participation, improved intelligence gathering and sustained collaboration among all stakeholders in preserving Delta’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and investment-friendly states.
