Over 300 Troops Expected in Delta as Preparation for Air Defence Unit Intensifies
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the establishment of an Air Defence Regiment under the Nigerian Army’s 83 Division in Delta State will strengthen security, protect critical national assets and support economic development across the state.
Key Highlights
- Oborevwori says the Air Defence Regiment will strengthen security in Delta.
- The new formation will protect critical national assets, including oil and gas infrastructure.
- The first batch of 300 to 400 military personnel is expected in Delta within weeks.
- Delta State has provided land for a temporary facility for the Air Defence unit.
- The 83 Division covers Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states.
- Oborevwori says improved security has contributed to a reduction in violent crimes in Delta.
83 Army Division Air Defence Regiment Takes Shape
Oborevwori spoke on Thursday during an inspection of facilities and ongoing work for the establishment of the Nigerian Army’s Air Defence unit in Delta State.
The governor was accompanied by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Nigerian Army, Major General Thompson Ugiagbe, and the Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Buhari.
Oborevwori said the Delta State Government was committed to providing the necessary support for the military and other security agencies to ensure the new formation becomes operational within the expected timeframe.
Over 300 Troops Expected in Delta
The governor disclosed that the first batch of between 300 and 400 military personnel is expected to arrive in Delta State within the next few weeks.
He explained that the newly created 83 Division, comprising Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states, would significantly enhance the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to security threats across the three states.
According to Oborevwori, the division includes several component units, including an Air Defence unit whose establishment in Delta is considered important because of the state’s strategic location and proximity to the airport.
The state government has provided land for a temporary facility, while arrangements are being made for the permanent site.
Air Defence Unit to Protect Oil, Gas Assets
Oborevwori said the presence of the new military formation would strengthen the protection of critical national assets, particularly oil and gas infrastructure across Delta State.
“The most important benefit is to secure national assets and the people. That is the truth. If you don’t have all these security formations here, you know how it will be,” the governor said.
He added that security remained a major pillar of his administration’s development agenda, stressing that sustainable economic and infrastructural development could not take place without peace and stability.
Delta Records Improved Security, Says Governor
The governor also said the improved security architecture in Delta had contributed to a reduction in incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property.
Oborevwori recalled his recent visit to the Trans-Forcados pipeline area, saying residents expressed satisfaction with the improved security situation in the area.
He said continued collaboration between the state government, military and other stakeholders had also helped boost the confidence of residents, investors and businesses operating in Delta.
Read also:
- Governor Oborevwori Urges Army To Site 83 Division Headquarters In Delta
- No Room For Crime, Criminality In Delta, Declares Governor Oborevwori
- Navy Deploys Sonar To Locate Submerged NAF Aircraft In Ondo
Government Begins Preparation for Temporary Site
Oborevwori directed the Commissioners for Housing and Lands to commence the necessary assessment and scoping of the temporary site for the Air Defence unit.
The assessment will include identifying existing structures that require attention before the facility becomes operational.
The governor said the state government was ready to provide the necessary support to ensure the unit commenced operations within the expected timeframe.
He urged the military and other security agencies to sustain their cooperation with the state government and other stakeholders in the collective interest of Delta residents and Nigeria.
The governor maintained that the establishment of the 83 Division and its component units would further strengthen Delta’s security architecture while improving the protection of lives, property and critical national assets.
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