The directive came during a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday by the newly appointed Commissioner of Police for Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, accompanied by members of his management team. Governor Oborevwori welcomed the police chief warmly, describing his posting as a "homecoming" due to Adesola's prior service in the state in key operational roles. The governor praised Adesola's familiarity with the local terrain, experience, professionalism, and understanding of security dynamics in Delta.
"I am very happy that you are here because you know this terrain very well. You have served here before and we saw your impact," Oborevwori stated. He highlighted that in the few weeks since Adesola assumed office as the 23rd Commissioner of Police in early January 2026, the state has maintained relative peace, crediting this to the commissioner's leadership and ongoing collaboration between the police and other security outfits.
CP Aina Adesola, born on September 2, 1968, in Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, officially resumed duties in Delta State in January 2026, replacing his predecessor. Prior to this appointment, Adesola had served in various capacities, including as Deputy Commissioner of Police in the State Criminal Investigation Department in Rivers State. His redeployment to Delta marks a return to a command where he previously contributed significantly to operational successes.
Governor Oborevwori reflected on the marked improvement in the state's security landscape since 2023. He recalled a period when youths and criminals openly brandished firearms, instilling fear among residents. "Before now, people brandished firearms openly and caused fear. Since 2023, that has stopped, and it will never happen again in Delta State," he declared. The governor attributed this positive shift to decisive actions by security agencies, including the restructuring of operations like the multi-agency task force now known as Operation Delta Sweep, which involves the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Civil Defence Corps.
He specifically commended senior officers within the Delta State Police Command for their dedication, naming ACP Aliyu Shaba and the former Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations for their exemplary efforts in curbing gun violence in previously high-risk areas. These commendations underscore the collaborative framework that has helped sustain stability in a state historically challenged by communal tensions, militancy, kidnapping, and arms proliferation linked to oil-rich Niger Delta dynamics.
As Delta State approaches the 2027 election cycle, Oborevwori charged CP Adesola and the entire police command to remain vigilant and proactive. "We will not tolerate insecurity in this state. Anyone caught with firearms or attempting to disrupt peace must be arrested and prosecuted," he insisted. The governor's orders align with broader efforts to prevent election-related violence, which has historically involved armed groups in parts of the Niger Delta. By targeting illegal firearms possession preemptively, the administration aims to deter potential disruptions and ensure a peaceful electoral process.
Oborevwori linked security directly to development and economic progress, noting that a stable environment is essential for attracting investors. "Peace gives room for development. Without peace, investors will not come. That is why Delta State remains open for business," he said. His administration has prioritized initiatives like the Delta State Security Trust Fund, launched in late 2025, which channels public-private resources into procuring surveillance equipment, vehicles, communication tools, and training for security personnel and community vigilantes across the state's 25 local government areas.
Responding to the governor, CP Aina Adesola expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed the Delta State Police Command's unwavering commitment to maintaining peace. "Residents will continue to sleep with their two eyes closed," Adesola pledged, assuring that the command would work tirelessly under his leadership to combat crime, including kidnapping, drug trafficking, and illegal arms possession. Recent operational successes by the command, such as intelligence-led arrests and recoveries of pump-action guns, locally fabricated weapons, and illicit drugs, demonstrate this resolve.
The governor urged Deltans to play their part in security by providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies. He described security as a collective responsibility, calling on citizens to support police efforts through community vigilance and reporting suspicious activities.
This latest directive from Governor Oborevwori builds on his administration's MORE Agenda, which emphasizes meaningful development, opportunities, resources, and employment while prioritizing security as a foundation for progress. Since assuming office in May 2023 after a decisive victory in the gubernatorial election, Oborevwori has focused on infrastructure, economic diversification, and security enhancements to transform Delta into a hub of prosperity.
The courtesy visit and subsequent statements reflect strengthened civil-military-police relations in the state. Recent engagements, including CP Adesola's meetings with military commanders like Brigadier General Moronfolu Abdulmoshood Shonibare of the 63 Brigade, highlight ongoing intelligence sharing and joint strategies to address threats.
As Delta State continues to enjoy relative calm amid national challenges, the governor's tough stance on firearms and pre-election security serves as a clear message: criminal elements will find no safe haven. With proactive policing, community cooperation, and sustained inter-agency collaboration, authorities aim to preserve the gains made and ensure the state remains a model of stability in the Niger Delta region.
