Chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Olorogun John Obukohwo Nani, has strengthened security operations in Idjerhe Kingdom, Ethiope West Local Government Area, with the donation of three Sienna buses to the Nigeria Police and two community vigilante groups.
The vehicles were presented to the Jesse Division of the Nigeria Police Force, Boboroku Sub Clan Vigilante Group and Oyonbru Sub Clan Vigilante outfit as part of efforts to improve operational mobility and strengthen the security architecture of the kingdom.
Nani, the Aghwemutuwevwi of Idjerhe Kingdom, said the intervention was informed by the need to ensure that those saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property had the necessary means to respond effectively to security situations.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and government or the police cannot do it alone. There must be effective collaboration between security agencies, vigilante groups, traditional institutions and the communities they serve,” Nani said.
He stressed that the provision of operational vehicles was a practical contribution towards improving security response in Idjerhe, noting that mobility remained essential to effective policing and community-based security operations.
“These vehicles are our modest contribution towards making security operations in Idjerhe more effective. When those entrusted with protecting our people have the necessary mobility, they can respond faster and cover more ground,” he said.
The DESOPADEC chairman urged the beneficiaries to deploy the vehicles responsibly and strictly for security purposes, stressing that the intervention was intended to support, rather than replace, the responsibilities of constituted security authorities.
“I urge the beneficiaries to see these vehicles as instruments for service and not merely as vehicles. They should be deployed responsibly and strictly for security operations for the benefit of our people,” Nani said.
He further called for stronger cooperation among the police, vigilante groups, traditional institutions and residents, arguing that security challenges could not be effectively tackled through isolated efforts.
“The security challenges confronting our communities require cooperation, information sharing and mutual trust. When the police, vigilante groups and the people work together, we stand a better chance of preventing crime and protecting lives and property,” he said.
Nani also linked the intervention to the security priorities of the administration of Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, under the MORE Agenda, stressing that a peaceful environment was essential for sustainable development.
He said security must remain a shared priority because economic activity, investment and community development could not thrive where people lived under persistent fear or uncertainty.
Receiving one of the vehicles on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, the Divisional Police Officer, Jesse Division, SP Asanaenyi Ibok, thanked Nani for the gesture, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to peace and security in Idjerhe Kingdom and Delta State.
Ibok assured that the vehicle would be used for the purpose for which it was provided, noting that improved operational mobility would assist the division in carrying out its responsibilities more effectively.
The DPO commended the DESOPADEC chairman for supporting efforts aimed at creating a peaceful environment, particularly through practical assistance to security personnel.
The handover ceremony featured the formal presentation of the vehicle keys and particulars to representatives of the three beneficiary organisations.
The intervention further underscores the growing emphasis on collaboration between government institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities and community-based security structures in addressing security concerns at the grassroots.
