Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, has issued a firm directive to security agencies in the state to arrest and prosecute anyone found in illegal possession of firearms or involved in actions capable of disturbing public peace, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin.
The governor gave the charge on Tuesday in Asaba while receiving the new Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aina Adesola, alongside members of his management team during a courtesy visit to Government House.
Oborevwori described the deployment of CP Adesola to Delta State as a “homecoming,” noting that the police chief is no stranger to the state, having previously served in several strategic and operational capacities within the command.
According to him, the Commissioner’s familiarity with the terrain and security dynamics of the state places him in a strong position to sustain the current level of peace.
He attributed the relative calm across Delta State to effective collaboration between the police and other security agencies, adding that CP Adesola has, within a short period, demonstrated professionalism, competence and sound leadership.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the performance of the police under the new Commissioner, stating that peace has continued to prevail since his assumption of office.
Recalling past security challenges, Oborevwori noted that before 2023, the open display of firearms by youths and criminal elements was common in some parts of the state, creating fear and instability.
He, however, said such practices have been decisively stamped out and warned that they would not be allowed to resurface.
He commended senior officers of the Delta State Police Command for their dedication to duty, specifically acknowledging the contributions of ACP Aliyu Shaba and the former Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations for their roles in curbing gun-related violence in areas that were once volatile.
With another election season approaching, the governor urged the police to remain vigilant, proactive and resolute, stressing that the state government would not tolerate any form of insecurity.
He emphasised that anyone caught with illegal firearms or attempting to undermine peace and order would be made to face the full consequences of the law.
Oborevwori also called on residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information, describing security as a shared responsibility between the government and the people.
He stressed that peace is a critical foundation for development, noting that economic growth and investment can only thrive in a safe and stable environment.
According to him, Delta State remains open for business because of its commitment to peace and security.
In his remarks, CP Aina Adesola thanked the governor for the warm reception and pledged the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property across the state.
He assured residents that the police would continue to work round the clock to ensure safety, adding that under his leadership, people in Delta State would continue to live without fear.
