Delta to get 400 troops as Army establishes air defence unit

Delta State is set to receive between 300 and 400 Nigerian Army personnel as the military establishes an Air Defence Unit of the 83 Division in the state.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori disclosed this on Thursday while inspecting facilities and ongoing work for the establishment of the unit.

The governor said the deployment would strengthen security across Delta and help protect oil and gas facilities, airports and other critical national assets.

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

Oborevwori said Delta was selected to host the Air Defence Unit because of its strategic location and proximity to the airport.

He explained that the state government had provided land for a temporary facility while arrangements were underway for a permanent site.

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

He said the state had recorded improved security, with a reduction in incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

According to him, strengthening the military presence in the state would further consolidate the gains and provide better protection for residents and strategic infrastructure.

“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,” Oborevwori said.

The governor directed the Commissioners for Housing and Lands to begin the assessment and scoping of the temporary site, including identifying existing structures that require rehabilitation.

He also pledged continued support for the military and other security agencies by providing facilities and other assistance needed for their operations.

Oborevwori was accompanied during the inspection by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Nigerian Army, Major General Thompson Ugiagbe, and the Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Buhari.

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

He urged the military and other security agencies to sustain collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders to protect lives, property and critical national assets.