Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on all stakeholders to join forces in tackling insecurity, stressing that the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities cannot be left to government and security agencies alone.
Speaking at the Delta State Security Summit 2026 in Asaba on Wednesday, the governor said lasting peace and security can only be achieved through collective action involving government, traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions, civil society groups, businesses and citizens.
The summit, themed **“Security: A Collective Responsibility,”** brought together security chiefs, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, youth and women groups, civil society organisations and members of the private sector to discuss ways of strengthening security across the state.
Oborevwori described security as the foundation of development, noting that no society can prosper in an atmosphere of fear and instability.
“Without peace and stability, economic growth slows, investments decline and communities struggle to thrive. That is why the protection of lives and property remains one of government’s most important responsibilities,” he said.
The governor highlighted several steps taken by his administration to improve security, including the restructuring of Operation Delta Sweep, the state’s joint security outfit, which he said has recorded significant successes in combating crime.
He also revealed that the state government had approved the construction of divisional police headquarters in all 25 local government areas in preparation for the eventual establishment of state police.
According to him, the Delta State Security Trust Fund has also been established to strengthen collaboration between the government and the private sector in supporting security operations.
Oborevwori assured residents that more operational vehicles and security equipment would soon be procured, while security personnel would continue to receive training to improve their effectiveness.
The governor stressed the importance of intelligence gathering and information sharing, urging citizens to report suspicious activities 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 said.
He also reaffirmed Delta State’s opposition to terrorism and pledged continued support for efforts aimed at making Nigeria safer for all.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said the summit was organised in response to rising security concerns across the country and the need for proactive engagement with critical stakeholders.
He noted that government and security agencies alone could not overcome insecurity without the cooperation of citizens, urging communities and young people to actively support intelligence gathering efforts.
Security chiefs at the summit commended Governor Oborevwori for his commitment to maintaining peace and supporting security operations in the state.
Commander of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Folu Shonibare, praised the governor’s intervention in resolving tensions surrounding the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation exercise, saying it helped prevent a potential crisis.
He added that cases of kidnapping and other violent crimes had reduced significantly due to stronger collaboration between government, communities and security agencies.
Delivering a lecture at the summit, Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi John Oyeniyi, identified kidnapping, cybercrime, cultism, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, drug trafficking and communal conflicts as major security threats facing the country.
He stressed that addressing these challenges requires cooperation among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, the private sector and citizens.
The summit ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to working together to protect lives and property and sustain Delta State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and investment-friendly states.
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