The Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sherriff Oborevwori has lauded the Nigerian Army (NA) for the professional manner, cooperation and most importantly understanding exemplified during the unfortunate incident that occured at Okuama. He gave the commendation when the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, NA paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Asaba today, 13 June 2024.

Governor Oborevwori, while commiserating with the NA, and the families of the slain officers and soldiers, said a repeat of what happened at Odi or Zaki-Biam was averted in Delta State. This he said was because of the way the issue was handled by the NA. He further thanked the NA for allowing him passage to visit the area and harkened to his appeal to withdraw troops from the community, to enable internally displaced persons return to their homes, maintaining that it is highly appreciated. 

The Governor said, hitherto, Delta State had only 3 Battalion located in Warri, but with the establishment of 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Delta State has additional 2 Battalions, which is 90 Amphibious Battalion, Koko and 181 Battalion located in Agbor. This is in addition to a Brigade Headquarters in Asaba.This he said is highly appreciated by the good people of Delta State.

Governor Oborevwori averred that this will ensure peace and security in the state, which will encourage investors, without which development will remain a mirage. He used the platform to present Certificate of Occupancy for the NA Barracks in Koko to the GOC and assured that he would support infrastructural developments in the barracks. 

While stating the purpose of his visit, the GOC, Major General Jamal Abdussalam said he was at the Government House to thank the Governor and the good people of Delta State for the cordial relationship they have maintained with 6 Division. He said the Division is new, and almost all the brigades under command are also new. However, he said it is only 63 Brigade that has the full complement of the infantry battalions in the Division.

The GOC said the establishment of these Battalions in Delta underscored the strategic importance the NA has for the state. Major General Abdussalam used the medium to thank the people of the State for the level of cooperation they accorded the NA during the unfortunate Okuama incident. He reassured that the Division under his watch will continue to carry out its engagements and cooperate with other security agencies in the state. This he said will be done in line with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS),  command philosophy, which has operating within joint environment as a mandate given to the Division by the COAS.

He assured that the Division will ensure peace and security in the state for socio-economic activities to thrive. He used the opportunity to thank the Governor for the land allocated for the building of NA barracks in the State and equally thanked him for the Certificate  of Occupancy(C of O)  given to that effect. 

Highpoint of the event were presentation of C of O, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs.

DANJUMA JONAH DANJUMA

Lieutenant Colonel

Acting Deputy Director

6 Division Army Public Relations