Follow Us on Google
By Sylvanus Etarakpobunor
On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, convened a security summit wherein he rallied heads of security agencies in the state, traditional rulers, local government chairmen and other critical stakeholders on the need to fully appreciate the fact that security is the responsibility of all.
The importance of the summit lies in the fact that it is a proactive measure that underscores the timeless dictum that “a stitch in time saves nine.” Rather than waiting for security challenges to escalate into major crises, the governor chose the path of prevention, consultation and collective action.
Whereas no one prays that the unfortunate security incidents recently witnessed in states such as Oyo and Borno should occur in Delta State, it is undoubtedly wise and commendable to take preventive steps before any such threats gain a foothold. Governance is often judged not only by how leaders respond to crises but also by how effectively they anticipate and prevent them. In convening the Delta State Security Summit 2026, Governor Oborevwori demonstrated precisely that quality of leadership.
The summit, themed “Security: A Collective Responsibility,” could not have come at a more appropriate time. Across Nigeria, concerns about terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, cultism, communal conflicts and other forms of criminality continue to challenge governments at all levels. Even states that have traditionally enjoyed relative peace are not immune from these threats. Criminal elements are becoming increasingly sophisticated, exploiting technological advancements, porous borders and social vulnerabilities to perpetrate their activities.
Against this backdrop, Delta State’s decision to gather security chiefs, traditional rulers, local government officials, community leaders, religious bodies, youth and women groups, civil society organisations and business leaders under one roof was both strategic and necessary.
Governor Oborevwori’s approach aligns perfectly with one of the cardinal pillars of his MORE Agenda—Enhanced Peace and Security. Since assuming office, the governor has repeatedly emphasized that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and stability. Roads, schools, hospitals, industries and investments flourish only when lives and property are adequately protected.
The MORE Agenda is anchored on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms and Enhanced Peace and Security. Of these pillars, peace and security serve as the foundation upon which the others stand. Without security, meaningful development becomes difficult to achieve. Opportunities diminish. Reforms become harder to implement. Investors become hesitant. Communities become vulnerable. Governor Oborevwori clearly understands this connection.
This explains why his administration has consistently invested in strengthening the state’s security architecture. During the summit, he highlighted the restructuring and strengthening of Operation Delta Sweep, the state’s joint security outfit that has recorded notable successes in combating crime. He also disclosed plans to construct divisional police headquarters in all 25 local government areas of the state, a bold step aimed at preparing for the eventual take-off of state policing and enhancing grassroots security presence.
Equally significant is the establishment of the Delta State Security Trust Fund. The initiative reflects an understanding that security financing cannot be left solely to government budgets. By creating a platform that allows collaboration between government and the private sector, the state is ensuring sustainable support for security operations and logistics.
However, perhaps the most important message from the summit was Governor Oborevwori’s insistence that security is not the responsibility of security agencies alone. This point deserves serious reflection.
For decades, many Nigerians have tended to view security as exclusively the duty of the police, military and other law enforcement agencies. While these institutions bear constitutional responsibility for maintaining law and order, experience has shown that they cannot succeed in isolation. Security agencies rely heavily on intelligence, and intelligence comes from communities.
Governor Oborevwori captured this reality succinctly when he noted that security personnel are not magicians. They operate based on information. Criminals thrive when communities remain silent. Kidnappers, terrorists, cultists and other criminal elements often live among ordinary citizens. Their activities can only be effectively disrupted when residents are willing to report suspicious movements and share credible information with authorities. This is where the significance of the summit becomes even more apparent.
The gathering was not merely another government event. It was an attempt to foster a security culture that encourages cooperation, vigilance and shared responsibility. It sought to bridge gaps between security agencies and communities. It sought to build trust among stakeholders. It sought to create channels for timely intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to emerging threats. In modern security management, these elements are indispensable.
Other News
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Mr. John Oyeniyi, reinforced this point during his lecture at the summit. He identified kidnapping, cybercrime, cultism, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, drug trafficking and communal conflicts as some of the major security threats confronting Nigeria today. None of these crimes can be effectively tackled by the government alone. They require the active involvement of traditional institutions, religious bodies, community leaders, businesses and ordinary citizens.
Indeed, traditional rulers occupy a unique position in this security architecture. They are closest to the people and often possess valuable local knowledge that can assist security agencies. Community leaders understand the dynamics within their environments. Religious leaders shape values and influence behaviour. Youth groups can serve as agents of peace rather than instruments of violence. Women, often regarded as the first custodians of family and community welfare, can provide critical information and support conflict prevention efforts.
The summit, therefore, represented an important convergence of these various stakeholders, each bringing a unique perspective and responsibility to the collective task of safeguarding Delta State.
Another noteworthy aspect of the summit was the recognition given to Governor Oborevwori’s previous interventions in preventing conflict. Brigadier General Folu Shonibare, Commander of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, specifically commended the governor’s handling of tensions arising from the Warri Federal Constituency ward delineation exercise. The issue had generated strong emotions among the affected ethnic groups and carried the potential for serious unrest. Through dialogue, engagement and inclusive leadership, the governor helped to avert what could have degenerated into violence and bloodshed.
That intervention offers an important lesson about security. Security is not merely about deploying armed personnel after violence erupts. It is equally about identifying potential flashpoints and taking steps to defuse tensions before they escalate. In this regard, Governor Oborevwori’s actions have demonstrated a preventive rather than reactive approach to governance.
The reduction in incidents of kidnapping and violent crime noted by security agencies further validates the effectiveness of collaboration between government, communities and security institutions in Delta State.
Nevertheless, no state can afford complacency. Security challenges evolve constantly. Criminal networks adapt their tactics. New threats emerge. What appears secure today may become vulnerable tomorrow if vigilance is relaxed. This reality perhaps informed the decision to convene the summit at this particular time.
By bringing stakeholders together to review existing threats, assess preparedness levels and develop actionable recommendations, the summit has created an opportunity for Delta State to stay ahead of emerging security concerns.
The benefits extend beyond immediate security considerations. Peace and stability enhance investor confidence. Businesses are more likely to expand operations. Tourism activities flourish. Agricultural production improves. Employment opportunities increase. Communities experience greater social cohesion. Ultimately, the quality of life for citizens improves.
For Delta State, which prides itself as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful and investment-friendly states, preserving this reputation is essential. The state’s strategic economic importance, diverse population and vast natural resources make security an indispensable component of its development agenda.
The success of the summit, however, will ultimately be measured not by the speeches delivered but by the implementation of its recommendations. Stakeholders must sustain the momentum generated by the gathering. Community engagement must continue. Intelligence sharing mechanisms must be strengthened. Security agencies must deepen collaboration. Citizens must embrace vigilance as a civic responsibility. Most importantly, everyone must recognize that the security of Delta State cannot be outsourced.
Governor Oborevwori has done well by sounding the alarm before danger knocks. He has demonstrated foresight by convening a broad-based security dialogue at a time when many states are grappling with increasingly complex security challenges. His message is simple but profound: security is everybody’s business.
In the final analysis, the significance of the Delta Security Summit 2026 lies in its proactive nature. It is a timely intervention designed to prevent rather than cure, to unite rather than divide, and to mobilize every segment of society in defence of peace and stability. In a country where security challenges often escalate because warning signs are ignored, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s initiative stands as a reminder that vigilance, cooperation and early action remain the best safeguards against future threats.
•Etarakpobunor, an architect and public affairs commentator, writes from Asaba, Delta State
