400 troops for Delta as Army sets up air defence unit

No fewer than 300 and 400 military personnel will arrive Delta State within the next few weeks as part of the newly established Air Defence Unit of the 83 Division of the Nigerian Army.  

Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the establishment of the Air Defence Unit in the State will strengthen security and protect critical national assets.

According to a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, explained Oborevwori spoke on Thursday while inspecting facilities and ongoing work for the establishment of the unit in the state.

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

The Governor said the Air Defence Unit was being established in Delta because of the state’s strategic location and proximity to the airport.

According to him, the State Government had provided land for a temporary facility while arrangements were being made for a permanent site.

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

Oborevwori said the improved security situation in the state had contributed to a reduction in armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He said the new military formation would also help secure oil and gas infrastructure and other critical national assets in the state.

“The most important benefit is to secure national assets and the people. That is the truth. If you don’t have all these security formations here, you know how it will be,” he said.

The Governor said the State Government would continue to support the military and other security agencies in providing the facilities required for their operations.

He directed the Commissioners for Housing and Lands to commence the assessment and scoping of the temporary site, including existing structures that required attention.

Oborevwori, who was accompanied by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Nigerian Army, Major General Thompson Ugiagbe, and the Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Buhari, said security remained a priority of his administration.

He said the state government would continue to collaborate with the military and other security agencies to protect lives, property and critical national assets.

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

He urged the military and other security agencies to sustain their collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders.