Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has said the establishment of the Nigerian Army’s Air Defence Regiment under the newly created 83 Division in Delta State will strengthen security, protect critical national assets and support economic development.
The governor made this known on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during an inspection of facilities and ongoing construction work for the military unit at Okuodiete and Okurowhe in Okpe Local Government Area.
Oborevwori, who was accompanied by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation of the Nigerian Army, Major General Thompson Ugiagbe, and the Commander of the 63 Brigade, Brigadier General Ibrahim Buhari, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies.
He said the creation of the 83 Division, which covers Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states, would improve the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond to security threats across the region.
Delta Government Pledges Support for Army Formation
The governor explained that establishing the Air Defence Regiment in Delta was necessary because of the state’s strategic position and the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, including airports and oil and gas facilities.
He disclosed that the state government had made land available for a temporary facility while arrangements were underway to develop the permanent site.
Oborevwori also revealed that between 300 and 400 military personnel were expected to arrive in the state within the coming weeks to support the commencement of operations.
According to the governor, sustained cooperation between the state government and security agencies remains essential to preserving peace, protecting lives and property, and creating an environment conducive to investment and economic growth.
New Regiment to Protect Critical National Assets
Oborevwori identified the protection of strategic national assets as one of the major benefits of establishing the military unit in Delta.
He noted that the state’s oil and gas infrastructure and other important facilities require effective security arrangements to prevent threats and safeguard economic activities.
The governor commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace across the state, adding that improved security would strengthen public confidence and create better conditions for businesses and investors.
He also directed the commissioners responsible for housing and lands to begin assessing the temporary site and identify existing structures requiring attention to facilitate the unit’s establishment.
Oborevwori Reaffirms Commitment to Security and Development
The governor maintained that security remains a fundamental requirement for sustainable development, stressing that infrastructure, commerce and other economic activities cannot thrive without peace and stability.
He assured the military of continued cooperation from his administration to ensure that the necessary facilities are provided for the regiment to begin operations within the expected timeframe.
The establishment of the Air Defence Regiment forms part of the broader expansion of the Nigerian Army’s presence in the region through the 83 Division, which is responsible for Delta, Edo and Bayelsa states.
The initiative is expected to strengthen security coverage, improve responses to threats and enhance the protection of lives, property and strategic national infrastructure across the region.
