At least 300 military personnel are expected to arrive in Delta State within next few weeks as preparations intensify for establishment of Air Defence Regiment of Nigerian Army’s newly created 83 Division.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed this on Thursday while inspecting facilities and ongoing works for establishment of Air Defence unit in state.
Oborevwori, who was accompanied by Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Nigerian Army, Major General Thompson Ugiagbe, and Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Ibrahim Buhari, said state government would continue to support military and other security agencies.
Governor said first batch of between 300 and 400 personnel was expected to arrive in Delta as part of efforts to strengthen state’s security architecture.
He said 83 Division, comprising Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states, would enhance Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to security threats across three states.
According to him, Air Defence unit became necessary in Delta because of state’s strategic location and proximity to airport.
Governor said state government had provided land for temporary facility for unit while arrangements were being made for its permanent site.
“We need to support the security agencies because without security, there cannot be development,” Oborevwori said.
He said improved security in state had contributed to reduction in armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes, adding that new military formation would further protect critical national assets, particularly oil and gas infrastructure.
“The most important benefit is to secure national assets and the people,” he said.
Oborevwori also said presence of new formation would boost confidence of residents, investors and businesses in state, stressing that security remained major pillar of his administration’s development agenda.
He recalled his recent visit to Trans-Forcados pipeline area, saying residents expressed satisfaction with improved security situation in area.
The Governor directed the Commissioners for Housing and Lands to commence assessment and scoping of temporary site, including existing structures requiring attention.
He assured that state government would provide necessary support to enable Air Defence unit to commence operations within expected timeframe.
Oborevwori commended Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property, urging them to sustain collaboration with state government and other stakeholders.
