Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has charged the newly appointed General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Everest Okoro, to strengthen security operations across the Niger Delta, warning that economic growth cannot thrive where lives, businesses and critical assets are under threat.
Oborevwori gave the charge on Tuesday when Okoro, who is also the Land Component Commander of the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, paid a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Asaba.
The governor described security in the Niger Delta as an economic necessity, particularly because Delta is one of Nigeria’s major oil and gas-producing states.
He urged the new Army commander to ensure adequate protection for oil and gas facilities, waterways, businesses and other critical infrastructure to sustain economic activities and attract new investment.
“If this region is safe, the economy will go up. If there is unrest in this region, the economy will go down,” Oborevwori said.
He congratulated Okoro on his appointment, describing 6 Division as a strategic military formation with a major responsibility for maintaining peace and protecting economic assets across the Niger Delta.
“I congratulate you on your new posting as the GOC 6 Division. This is a very strategic operational division. I pray for your guidance, wisdom and success during your time here,” he said.
Oborevwori attributed the relative peace in Delta to continued cooperation between the state government and security agencies.
He assured the new GOC that his administration would continue supporting the military and other security agencies, particularly through infrastructure and logistics required for effective 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,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the state government had 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,” he said.
The governor urged Okoro to maintain a proactive security posture, stressing that criminal threats should be identified and contained before they escalate.
He said protecting lives and property was directly linked to the government’s ability to attract investment, create employment and expand economic opportunities.
Oborevwori also recalled his previous involvement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and his interactions with security agencies in the Niger Delta, saying those experiences had reinforced the importance of cooperation between civilian authorities and the military.
Responding, Okoro said the visit formed part of his familiarisation tour of military formations and units under his command following his assumption of office.
He thanked Oborevwori for his support for security agencies, particularly the state government’s contributions to infrastructure, welfare and operational needs.
The GOC described Delta as strategically important because of its oil and gas installations, waterways and other critical national assets.
He said their protection would remain a major priority under his command, adding that the security of Delta was closely linked to Nigeria’s economic stability.
Okoro said the Army would work with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to identify emerging threats and respond to them before they undermine peace and economic activities.
He identified credible intelligence, realistic training and effective coordination as key tools for tackling criminal activities within the division’s area of responsibility.
The Army chief said his vision was to safeguard critical national assets, defeat security threats and ensure the successful execution of assigned missions through disciplined leadership, realistic training and seamless joint operations.
He also called for the existing partnership between the Delta Government and the Nigerian Army, particularly 63 Brigade, to be sustained.
With Delta seeking to attract investment into sectors beyond oil and gas, the meeting underscored the growing link between security and economic diversification.
For the state government, protecting communities, roads, waterways, industrial facilities and energy infrastructure remains central to creating the confidence investors need to establish and expand businesses.
