Oborevwori Charges New 6 Division GOC to Crush Criminals, Protect Niger Delta Assets

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged the newly appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Everest Okoro, to sustain proactive security operations and deepen collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives, property and critical economic assets across the Niger Delta.

Oborevwori gave the charge on Tuesday when he received Major General Okoro, who is also the Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, on a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba.

The governor congratulated Okoro on his appointment, describing the 6 Division as a strategic military formation with a critical responsibility for maintaining peace and security 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,” Oborevwori said.

He assured the new Army commander of the continued support and cooperation of the Delta State Government, stressing that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the state was largely the product of sustained collaboration between the government and security agencies.

Oborevwori: Delta security crucial to Nigeria’s economy

The governor emphasised the strategic importance of Delta State as a major oil-producing state, warning that insecurity in the region could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s economy.

“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,” he said.

Oborevwori commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in protecting the state, adding that his administration had continued to provide infrastructure and logistics to strengthen their operational capacity.

He disclosed that the state government recently constructed one-unit flats at the Amphibious Army Barracks in Agbor and had also provided sustained 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,” the governor said.

The governor further linked security directly to economic growth, noting that investors and businesses could only thrive where peace and stability were guaranteed.

“If this region is safe, the economy will go up. If there is unrest in this region, the economy will go down.”

He consequently urged the new GOC to remain proactive and decisive in tackling criminal elements operating within the Division’s area of responsibility.

Oborevwori, who recalled his previous involvement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and longstanding engagement with security agencies in the Niger Delta, assured the Army commander of his administration’s readiness to maintain a cordial working relationship with the military.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to work together,” he added.

New 6 Division GOC lists critical assets, intelligence as priorities

Earlier, Major General Okoro said his visit was part of his familiarisation tour of military formations and units under his command following his assumption of office.

The new GOC commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as purposeful leadership and strong support for Delta State’s security architecture, particularly in infrastructure, welfare and economic development.

Okoro said Delta’s strategic location, extensive oil and gas infrastructure, waterways and other critical national assets made the state vital to Nigeria’s economic and energy security.

He identified the protection of critical national assets and the security of states within the Division’s area of responsibility as key priorities under his command.

According to him, credible intelligence, realistic training and effective coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders would be critical to confronting emerging security threats.

Okoro said his vision was to safeguard critical national assets, defeat threats within the Division’s area of responsibility and successfully execute assigned missions through disciplined leadership, realistic training and seamless joint operations.

He also commended the cordial relationship between the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Army, particularly the 63 Brigade, and called for its sustenance.