Oborevwori Inspects Facility For New Army Air Defence Regiment In Delta

At least 300 military personnel are expected to arrive in Delta State within the next few weeks as preparations intensify for the establishment of an Air Defence Regiment of the Nigerian Army’s newly created 83 Division.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed this on Thursday while inspecting facilities and ongoing works for the establishment of the Air Defence unit in the state.

Oborevwori, who was accompanied by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Nigerian Army, Major General Thompson Ugiagbe, and Commander, 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Ibrahim Buhari, said the state government would continue to support the military and other security agencies.

The governor said the first batch of between 300 and 400 personnel was expected to arrive in Delta as part of efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture.

He said the 83 Division, comprising Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states, would enhance the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to security threats across the three states.

According to him, the Air Defence unit became necessary in Delta because of the state’s strategic location and proximity to the airport.

The governor said the state government had provided land for a temporary facility for the unit while arrangements were being made for its permanent site.

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

He said improved security in the state had contributed to a reduction in armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes, adding that the new military formation would further protect critical national assets, particularly oil and gas infrastructure.

“The most important benefit is to secure national assets and the people,” he said.

Oborevwori also said the presence of the new formation would boost the confidence of residents, investors and businesses in the state, stressing that security remained a major pillar of his administration’s development agenda.

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

The governor directed the Commissioners for Housing and Lands to commence the assessment and scoping of the temporary site, including existing structures requiring attention.

He assured that the state government would provide the necessary support to enable the Air Defence unit to commence operations within the expected timeframe.

Oborevwori commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace and protecting lives and property, urging them to sustain collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders.