83 Army Division: New Air Defence Unit to Strengthen Security, Protect Oil Assets in Delta — Oborevwori

…Over 300 Troops Set to Arrive as Preparation Enters Final Stage

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the establishment of an Air Defence Unit of the Nigerian Army’s newly created 83 Division in the state will strengthen security, protect critical national assets and boost economic development.

Oborevwori stated this on Thursday during an inspection of facilities and ongoing preparations for the establishment of the Army’s Air Defence Unit in Delta.

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.

He said the state government remained committed to providing the necessary support to the military and other security agencies to enhance security across Delta.

According to him, the newly created 83 Division, comprising Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states, would significantly improve the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to security threats across the three states.

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Oborevwori explained that the division would have several component units, including an Air Defence Unit, adding that Delta was strategically chosen for the facility because of its location and proximity to the airport.

The governor disclosed that the state government had provided land for a temporary facility while arrangements were being made for the unit’s permanent location.

He added that the first batch of between 300 and 400 military personnel was expected to arrive in the state within the next few weeks.

“We need to support the security agencies because without security, there cannot be development,” Oborevwori said.

The governor said improved security across the state had contributed to a reduction in incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He also said the presence of the new military formation would enhance the protection of critical national assets, particularly oil and gas infrastructure.

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“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,” he said.

Oborevwori commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property in Delta.

He said his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies, noting that the partnership had helped to improve confidence among residents, investors and businesses operating in the state.

The governor also recalled his recent visit to the Trans-Forcados pipeline area, saying residents expressed satisfaction with the improved security situation.

He directed the Commissioners for Housing and Lands to begin the necessary assessment and scoping of the temporary site, including the evaluation of existing structures requiring attention.

Oborevwori said the state government was prepared to provide the required support to ensure that the Air Defence Unit commenced operations within the expected timeframe.

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He stressed that security remained a major pillar of his administration’s development agenda, noting that sustainable economic and infrastructural development could not be achieved without peace and stability.

The governor urged the military and other security agencies to sustain their collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders in the collective interest of Deltans and the nation.