ASABA, Nigeria (AP) — Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has called for collective action against terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality, saying security should not be left solely to government and security agencies.
Oborevwori made the appeal Wednesday while delivering a keynote address at the Delta State Security Summit 2026, held at Government House in Asaba. The summit, themed “Security: A Collective Responsibility,” brought together security chiefs, local government leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, youth and women organizations, and business representatives.
“Security remains the foundation of every prosperous society. Without peace and stability, economic growth slows, investments decline and communities struggle to thrive,” Oborevwori said, stressing that protecting lives and property is fundamental to development.
The governor emphasized that lasting peace could only be achieved through collaboration among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious bodies, businesses and residents. He noted that his administration had strengthened the state’s security architecture through partnerships with communities and investments in logistics.
Oborevwori highlighted the restructuring of Operation Delta Sweep, a joint security outfit combating crime across the state, and announced that the State Executive Council had approved the construction of divisional police headquarters in all 25 local government areas. The move, he said, was in preparation for the eventual establishment of state police.
Nigeria’s security challenges — ranging from insurgency in the northeast to banditry and kidnappings in the northwest and south — remain a major concern for citizens and investors. Analysts say state-level initiatives like Delta’s summit reflect growing pressure on local governments to play a more active role in addressing insecurity.
Civil society groups welcomed the governor’s call, noting that community involvement is critical to intelligence gathering and crime prevention. Business leaders also stressed that improved security is essential for attracting investment and sustaining economic growth in the oil-rich state.
Oborevwori urged residents to see security as a shared responsibility, warning that government efforts alone would not be enough to defeat criminal networks. “Collaboration is the only path to lasting peace,” he said.
