Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged the newly appointed General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Everest Okoro, to intensify security operations across the Niger Delta to protect lives, businesses and critical infrastructure.
Oborevwori made the call on Tuesday when Okoro, who is also the Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, visited him at the Government House, Asaba.
The governor said security was essential to the economic development of the Niger Delta, particularly Delta State, which remains one of Nigeria’s major oil-producing states.
He said any security breach affecting oil and gas facilities, waterways, businesses and other critical infrastructure could negatively affect economic activities and discourage investment.
Oborevwori said, “If this region is safe, the economy will go up. If there is unrest in this region, the economy will go down.”
The governor congratulated Okoro on his appointment, describing the 6 Division as a strategic military formation with an important responsibility for maintaining peace and protecting economic assets in the region.
He urged the new GOC to adopt a proactive approach to security by identifying and tackling threats before they become major problems.
Oborevwori said the relative peace in Delta was largely due to the cooperation between the state government and security agencies.
He assured Okoro that his administration would continue to support the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with infrastructure and logistics to improve their operations.
“Delta State is very, very key to the economy of Nigeria, and we rely on the security agencies to do their work because the peace we are enjoying today is the result of collaboration between the state and the security agencies,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the state government had recently constructed one-unit flats at the Amphibious Army Barracks in Agbor and provided logistical support to the 63 Brigade.
“This is just one of our initiatives among others to support the Nigerian Army. We assure you that we will continue to give you support and collaborate with the Nigerian Army for a safer and more prosperous region,” Oborevwori added.
He also recalled his previous involvement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and his interactions with security agencies in the Niger Delta, saying the experience had reinforced the importance of cooperation between civilian authorities and the military.
Responding, Okoro said his visit was part of his familiarisation tour of formations and units under the 6 Division following his assumption of office.
The GOC thanked the governor for his continued support for security agencies in Delta, particularly his administration’s contributions to infrastructure, welfare and operational needs.
Okoro described Delta as strategically important to Nigeria because of its oil and gas facilities, waterways and other critical national assets.
He said the protection of the assets would remain a priority under his command.
According to him, the Army would work closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to identify and tackle emerging threats before they affect peace and economic activities.
Okoro identified credible intelligence, realistic training and effective coordination among security agencies as key to tackling criminal activities within the Division’s area of responsibility.
He said his leadership would focus on protecting critical national assets, defeating security threats and ensuring that the Army effectively carried out its responsibilities through disciplined leadership, proper training and joint operations.
The GOC also commended the existing relationship between the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade, and called for the partnership to be strengthened.
With Delta seeking to attract investment beyond the oil and gas sector, the governor’s message highlighted the growing link between security and economic development.
The meeting therefore placed security at the centre of the state’s economic plans, with both Oborevwori and Okoro agreeing on the need for stronger cooperation to protect communities, infrastructure and businesses across Delta and the wider Niger Delta.
