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Delta State Governor, 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 Major General Okoro, who is also the Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Asaba.

The governor congratulated Okoro on his appointment, describing the 6 Division as a strategic military formation with a critical responsibility in 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 Army chief of the continued support and cooperation of the Delta State Government, attributing the relative peace in the state to sustained collaboration between the government and security agencies.

According to him, Delta’s strategic position as a major oil-producing state makes the security of the state crucial to Nigeria’s economic stability.

“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 safeguarding the state, stressing that his administration had continued to provide infrastructure and logistics to improve 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 underscored the direct connection between security and economic development, warning that insecurity in the Niger Delta would have serious consequences for investment, businesses and the wider Nigerian economy.

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

He therefore urged the new GOC to adopt a proactive and decisive approach in tackling criminal elements and emerging security threats.

Oborevwori, who recalled his previous involvement with the Presidential Amnesty Programme and his close working relationship with security agencies in the Niger Delta, said his administration would continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the military.

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

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.

He commended Governor Oborevwori for what he described as purposeful leadership and strong support for Delta’s security architecture, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, welfare and economic development.

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

He said the protection of critical national assets and the security of states within the Division’s area of responsibility would remain among his key priorities.

According to him, credible intelligence, realistic training and effective coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders would be essential to confronting security threats and ensuring lasting peace.

Okoro said his vision was to safeguard critical national assets, defeat threats within the Division’s area of responsibility and successfully accomplish 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 continued sustenance.