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Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on security and emergency-response agencies across the country to sustain inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and rapid response to effectively tackle emerging security threats.

Oborevwori made the call on Thursday in Asaba at the closing ceremony of the Rapid Response 3 Exercise, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) through the Presidential Communication Command and Control Centre (PC4).

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the complexity and changing nature of security challenges in Nigeria required stronger coordination among security agencies, traditional institutions and citizens.

He described the successful hosting of the exercise in Asaba as a significant milestone, noting that Delta was the first sub-national location outside the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to host the national security assignment.

According to him, the exercise provided security and emergency-response institutions with an opportunity to test their preparedness, strengthen operational coordination and improve their capacity to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

He said, “The security challenges confronting our nation today are complex and dynamic, requiring not only courage and professionalism, but also effective coordination, intelligence sharing, rapid response, strong inter-agency collaboration, and the support of all citizens.”

Oborevwori described the exercise as “another audacious initiative” aimed at containing insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminality confronting the country.

He said Delta’s strategic position as a major economic, commercial and maritime hub, with sensitive national assets, made security particularly important to the state and the country at large.

“The peace and security of our communities are essential not only to the wellbeing of our people but also to the economic stability and prosperity of Nigeria,” he said.

The Governor urged participating agencies not to allow the lessons and relationships developed during the exercise to end with the closing ceremony.

He said the knowledge acquired, skills developed, inter-agency relationships established and operational capabilities strengthened during the exercise should be sustained and deployed in real-life security situations.

“As a government, we will continue to support initiatives that promote peace, security and stability in Delta State; we will strengthen existing collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, communities and other stakeholders,” he said.

Oborevwori further stressed that no single institution could secure communities alone, urging the participants to return to their respective commands as “ambassadors” of the knowledge and experience gained.

He expressed confidence that the partnerships forged and lessons learnt from the exercise would strengthen the collective capacity of security agencies to protect lives, property and critical national assets.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented at the event by the Director of the PC4 Office, Rear Admiral Adedotun Ayo-Vaughon, commended Governor Oborevwori for his support and commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.

Ribadu thanked the Governor for accepting to host the Rapid Response 3 Exercise in Delta, describing it as the first of its kind to be held outside the Federal Capital Territory.

“This gesture is a testament to your administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of the people of Delta State, as well as your continued partnership with the Federal Government in advancing national security,” the NSA said.