In a significant move to enhance regional security, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has made the operationalisation of the Nigerian Army's 83 Division in Benin a top priority. The new division, one of four approved by President Bola Tinubu, will cover Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States. Governor Okpebholo's efforts aim to position Edo State as the strategic security backbone of the South-South geopolitical zone. The governor's five-pillar SHINE agenda, with security as the first pillar, underscores his commitment to addressing the region's unique security challenges.
The South-South region faces a distinct security burden, including oil theft, illegal refining, maritime piracy, and communal clashes. These issues have constrained development and prosperity in the region. Governor Okpebholo's administration continues to invest in local policing and community engagement, while the new 83 Division will provide specialized focus on oil and gas infrastructure protection, maritime security, and organized crime disruption. This military division will offer surveillance capacity, rapid response capability, and inter-state coordination, addressing gaps that have cost the region billions in stolen crude and incalculable lives lost to preventable violence.
The 83 Division's establishment is part of a broader effort to improve command and control, decentralize operational decision-making, and strengthen border security nationwide. According to Governor Okpebholo, Edo State's geographic location makes it an ideal hub for the new division. The governor emphasized that the president's decision to locate the division in Edo State is a recognition of the state's historical importance and its central position in the South-South region.
During an inspection visit to the site, Governor Okpebholo observed significant progress in the construction of the division's headquarters. The site clearance and fencing are underway, with temporary accommodation ready. The governor expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating that everything needed to complete the project is in place. Contractors have promised to deploy additional bulldozers to accelerate construction, ensuring the military can inhabit the facility soon.
Governor Okpebholo's approach to the 83 Division's establishment is noteworthy, as he treats it as a state project rather than a federal one. He is actively clearing obstacles and ensuring that the military finds a welcoming environment in Edo State. The governor's efforts demonstrate his commitment to addressing the region's security challenges and his enthusiasm for the project's potential impact.
The new 83 Division will have a significant impact on the region, providing a robust military presence to tackle security challenges. The division's operational mandate includes safeguarding critical oil and gas infrastructure, neutralizing crude oil theft and illegal refining networks, and maintaining internal security across the region. This development is expected to enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure and improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations.
Governor Okpebholo's vision for the 83 Division aligns with President Tinubu's broader strategy to enhance national security. The governor's efforts to ensure the division's successful establishment reflect his dedication to delivering on his administration's promises. With the 83 Division set to become operational, the region can expect improved security and a more robust response to emerging threats.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army's new 83 Division in Benin will cover Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States, focusing on oil and gas infrastructure protection, maritime security, and organized crime disruption.
