Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Wednesday, led a united call for action against kidnapping, terrorism, cultism, cybercrime, and other security threats, declaring that lasting peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility and active citizen participation.
Speaking at the Delta State Security Summit 2026 held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the governor urged residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, security agencies, and civil society groups to work together to safeguard lives and property across the state.
The summit, themed "Security: A Collective Responsibility," attracted security chiefs, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, youth and women groups, religious leaders, business leaders, and civil society organisations.
Governor Oborevwori described security as the foundation of economic growth and social stability, stressing that no society can prosper in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
"Security remains the foundation of every prosperous society. Without peace and stability, economic growth slows, investments decline, and communities struggle to thrive," he said.
The governor disclosed that his administration had significantly strengthened the state's security architecture through strategic investments, partnerships with security agencies, and the restructuring of Operation Delta Sweep, the state's joint security task force.
He 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 establishment of state police.
According to him, government is also procuring additional operational vehicles and security equipment while expanding training programmes for security personnel.
Oborevwori emphasized the critical role of intelligence gathering, urging residents to provide timely information to security agencies.
"If you don't share information, security agencies are not magicians. Criminals thrive when communities remain silent. If you see something, say something," he stated.
The governor condemned acts of terrorism and violent crime across the country, assuring that Delta State would continue to support efforts aimed at keeping communities safe.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said the summit was convened to develop practical solutions to emerging security challenges and deepen collaboration among stakeholders.
In their goodwill messages, senior military officers, including the Commander of 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare, commended Governor Oborevwori for his unwavering support for security agencies and his proactive intervention in defusing tensions arising from the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation dispute.
Shonibare noted that the governor's engagement with stakeholders helped avert a potential crisis and contributed significantly to the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Delta State Commissioner of Police, John Oyeniyi, identified kidnapping, cybercrime, cultism, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, drug trafficking, and communal conflicts as major security threats confronting the country. He stressed that addressing them requires a whole-of-society approach anchored on cooperation, vigilance, and information sharing.
The summit ended with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening partnerships and working collectively to sustain peace, security, and Delta State's reputation as one of Nigeria's safest destinations for investment and development.
