Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute anyone found in possession of firearms or attempting to disrupt peace in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor said the directive was aimed at preventing a recurrence of the security lapses witnessed before previous election cycles, particularly the widespread open display of firearms by youths and criminal elements prior to the 2023 polls.
Governor Oborevwori gave the order on Tuesday while receiving the newly posted Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, and members of his management team during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Asaba.
Recalling developments before the 2023 elections, the governor said the state had experienced a disturbing rise in armed intimidation and public fear, a situation he noted was decisively curtailed through coordinated security efforts.
“Before now, people brandished firearms openly and caused fear. Since 2023, that has stopped, and it will never happen again in Delta State, Oborevwori said.
“We will not tolerate insecurity.
Anyone caught with firearms or attempting to disrupt peace must be arrested and prosecuted.
The governor noted that the new police commissioner was already familiar with the state, having previously served in key operational roles within the Delta State Police Command, and expressed confidence in his ability to sustain peace and security.
I am happy you are here because you understand this terrain very well. For the few weeks you have served as Commissioner of Police, the state has remained peaceful, and we are proud of your achievements, he added.
Governor Oborevwori attributed the relative peace currently enjoyed across the state to effective collaboration between the police and other security agencies, stressing that the approach must be sustained as the state approaches another election cycle.
He urged the police command to remain firm and proactive, warning that any act capable of undermining peace or public safety would attract the full weight of the law.
The governor also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information, describing security as a collective responsibility.
According to him, peace remains critical to development and economic growth, noting that investors can only be attracted to a secure environment.
Peace gives room for development. Without peace, investors will not come. That is why Delta State remains open for business,” Oborevwori said.
