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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has issued a stern warning to criminals and political thugs, ordering the immediate arrest and prosecution of anyone found in possession of firearms or attempting to disrupt peace in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The governor gave the directive on Tuesday while receiving the newly posted Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, CP Aina Adesola, and members of his management team during a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba.

Oborevwori made it clear that his administration would not tolerate any return to the era of open gun-wielding, intimidation and lawlessness, declaring that Delta State would remain hostile territory for criminals.

Describing CP Adesola’s posting as a homecoming, the governor noted that the police chief was already familiar with the state, having previously served in key operational positions within the command.

“You know this terrain very well. You have served here before and your impact was clear. Since you assumed duty as Commissioner of Police, the state has remained peaceful, and that is the standard we expect you to sustain,” Oborevwori said.

Recalling the situation before 2023, the governor noted that the brazen display of firearms by criminals and youths once created fear and instability across parts of the state but said his administration had decisively dismantled that culture.

“Before now, people openly brandished guns and terrorised communities. Since 2023, that nonsense has stopped, and it will never be allowed to return in Delta State,” he declared.

Oborevwori commended senior officers of the command for their resolve and professionalism, specifically acknowledging ACP Aliyu Shaba and the former Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations for their roles in flushing out armed criminals from previously volatile areas.

With political activities gradually intensifying ahead of the next election cycle, the governor charged the police to remain vigilant and uncompromising, stressing that no individual or group would be allowed to undermine public peace under any guise.

“Anyone caught with firearms or attempting to breach the peace must be arrested and prosecuted. No excuses. No sacred cows,” he warned.

He also called on residents to support security agencies by volunteering timely and credible intelligence, noting that security is a shared responsibility.

According to the governor, peace remains the foundation of development and economic growth, stressing that investors will only commit resources to an environment where law and order prevail.

“Without peace, there can be no development. Delta State is open for business, and we will protect that peace at all costs,” Oborevwori said.

Earlier, CP Aina Adesola thanked the governor for the warm reception and assured him that the command would decisively enforce the law and sustain security across the state.

He pledged that under his leadership, the police would remain relentless, ensuring that residents continue to sleep with their two eyes closed, free from fear and intimidation.