*CAS Pushes For Whole-Of-Society Approach
*Aniagwu: Summit Marks Shift Towards Community-Led Security Framework
DELTA State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, rallied stakeholders across the state in unity against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, saying security remains a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.
Oborevwori said the security of lives and property remains fundamental to sustainable development, as no society can prosper in an atmosphere of fear and instability; hence the protection of lives and property remains one of the most important responsibilities of government.
The governor made the call in his keynote address at the Delta State Security Summit 2026, held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, with the theme, ‘Security: A Collective Responsibility,’ which brought together heads of security agencies, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, youth and women organisations and the business community to deliberate on strategies for strengthening peace and security across the state.
Oborevwori stressed that while government and security agencies have constitutional responsibilities to maintain law and order, lasting peace can only be achieved through collaboration among all stakeholders; hence the summit’s theme is both apt and relevant, as it reminds all that security is not the responsibility of government alone, with every citizen has critical roles to play in building a safe and secure society.
He disclosed that his administration had continued to strengthen the state’s security architecture through strategic partnerships with security agencies and communities, while making substantial investments in security operations and logistics, citing recently restructuring and strengthening of Operation Delta Sweep, the state’s joint security outfit, which has recorded significant successes in combating crime across the state.
Oborevwori disclosed that ahead of the eventual establishment of State Police, the State Executive Council (SEC) approved the construction of divisional Police headquarters in all the 25 local government areas of the state, as well as established the Delta State Security Trust Fund as a sustainable platform for collaboration between government and the private sector in supporting security operations.
He restated his call for greater public cooperation with security agencies, underscoring the importance of intelligence gathering and timely information sharing, noting: “If you don’t share information, security agencies are not magicians. They operate based on intelligence and credible information. Criminals thrive when communities remain silent and stakeholders work in isolation.
“The strongest security systems are built on trust, cooperation, vigilance and timely sharing of information. If you see something, say something.
“I call on every resident of Delta State to be security conscious and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. Together, we can enhance peace and security in our communities.”
He was optimistic that the Summit would produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening community participation, improving intelligence gathering and deepening collaboration among stakeholders.
Earlier, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kingsley Emu, said the Summit was convened in response to growing security concerns across the country and the need for proactive engagement with critical stakeholders and designed not only to identify security challenges, but also to develop actionable solutions that would enhance peace and security throughout the state.
In their goodwill messages, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Asaba, Brig-Gen. Folu Shonibare; and Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, Commodore Shehu Tasiu, commended Oborevwori for his unwavering support for security agencies and his commitment to maintaining peace in Delta State.
Aneke, represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, urged greater collaboration among citizens, communities, government institutions and security agencies in tackling the country’s security challenges, insisting that security remains a collective responsibility that requires the commitment of all stakeholders.
He observed that contemporary security threats are increasingly emerging from within communities, making the active involvement of citizens crucial to maintaining peace and stability.
He stated that suspicious movements, unusual gatherings, rising criminal activities and other early warning signs are often first detected by members of the public, saying timely information sharing and sustained cooperation between communities and security agencies remain vital to preventing insecurity.
Aneke stated that no security architecture can succeed in isolation, adding that collective vigilance and a shared commitment to safeguarding communities are essential for addressing evolving security threats across the country.
Shonibare particularly praised the governor’s intervention in addressing tensions arising from the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation exercise, saying that helped avert a potential crisis.
He noted that incidents of kidnapping and other violent crimes had reduced considerably in the state due to improved collaboration among government, communities and security agencies.
In his lecture, the state Commissioner of Police, John Oyeniyi, said modern security challenges require a whole-of-society approach, identifying kidnapping, cybercrime, cultism, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, drug trafficking and communal conflicts as some of the major security threats confronting Nigeria.
Oyeniyi stressed that effective security depends on strong collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, the private sector and citizens.
Addressing journalists later, the state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, described the maiden Summit as a bold step towards strengthening a community-driven and intelligence-led approach to tackling insecurity across the state, saying it underscores the growing recognition that effective security requires the collective participation of government, security agencies and citizens.
Aniagwu contended that while the state government has consistently provided security agencies with logistics, operational support and other resources to enhance their effectiveness, lasting security can only be achieved through stronger collaboration between security institutions and the communities they serve.
He noted that intelligence remained the backbone of modern security operations, as timely and credible information from residents, community leaders and other stakeholders is essential for preventing crime and safeguarding lives and property.
The commissioner said the Summit provided a unique platform for dialogue and engagement, enabling communities to directly communicate their security concerns to relevant authorities, while allowing security agencies to deepen public understanding of their operations and strategies.
He assured that the state government would continue to support community-based security initiatives, including closer collaboration with vigilante groups and other local security structures to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering and early warning systems.
Aniagwu stressed the need for a robust monitoring and feedback mechanism to ensure resolutions reached at the Summit are implemented effectively and translate into measurable improvements in security across the state.
He added that the Summit aligns with Oborevwori’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while fostering sustainable peace and development throughout the state.
