Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents to combat the growing threats of crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity across the country.
The governor made the appeal at the Delta Security Summit 2026, where stakeholders from various sectors gathered to deliberate on strategies for strengthening security and promoting lasting peace in the state.
Speaking during the summit, Oborevwori emphasized that security is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of all segments of society. He noted that while security agencies remain at the forefront of protecting lives and property, sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective efforts and community involvement.
The governor expressed concern over the evolving nature of security threats facing Nigeria, including kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, cult-related violence, cybercrime, and other criminal activities.
According to him, the increasing sophistication of criminal networks requires equally coordinated and innovative responses from both government and non-government actors.
Oborevwori stressed that no single institution can successfully tackle insecurity in isolation, urging stakeholders to strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms and deepen cooperation to effectively confront emerging threats.
“Security is everybody’s business. Government, security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, community groups, and citizens must work together to ensure a safer society,” he said.
A major focus of the summit was the rising incidence of kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of the country. The governor described kidnapping as a serious threat to public safety, economic development, and investor confidence.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies through logistics, infrastructure, and operational assistance aimed at enhancing their effectiveness.
The governor also highlighted the need for communities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
According to him, intelligence gathered from local communities often plays a crucial role in preventing crimes and apprehending offenders.
Participants at the summit emphasized the importance of community policing and grassroots engagement in addressing security challenges.
Security experts noted that effective crime prevention depends largely on trust and cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies.
Stakeholders advocated greater involvement of traditional rulers, youth groups, civil society organizations, and religious institutions in promoting peace and supporting security initiatives.
They argued that local communities are often best positioned to identify early warning signs of criminal activities and provide valuable information to security operatives.
Oborevwori also linked security to economic growth, noting that a peaceful environment is essential for attracting investments, creating jobs, and improving the overall quality of life for residents.
He warned that persistent insecurity could discourage investors, disrupt businesses, and hinder development efforts if not decisively addressed.
The governor said his administration remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that promote youth empowerment, education, and employment opportunities as part of broader efforts to address the root causes of crime.
Discussions at the summit focused on improving inter-agency cooperation, enhancing intelligence gathering, deploying modern security technologies, and strengthening legal frameworks for tackling criminal activities.
Participants also called for increased funding for security operations and the adoption of innovative approaches capable of addressing contemporary security threats.
Many stakeholders stressed the importance of balancing enforcement measures with socio-economic interventions aimed at reducing poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, factors often linked to criminal behaviour.
At the conclusion of the summit, participants reaffirmed their commitment to working together to strengthen security across Delta State and contribute to broader national efforts to combat crime.
Governor Oborevwori assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritize security as a key component of its development agenda, while maintaining close collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders.
The summit underscored the growing consensus that addressing Nigeria’s security challenges requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving government, security institutions, and citizens alike.
For many attendees, the Delta Security Summit 2026 served as an important platform for fostering dialogue, building partnerships, and developing practical solutions aimed at creating safer communities and sustaining peace across the state.
