In a significant development for Nigeria's military infrastructure, Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has made the operationalisation of the Nigerian Army's 83 Division in Benin a top priority. The governor's efforts are focused on positioning Edo State as the strategic security backbone of the South-South geopolitical zone. This move aligns with the vision of President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu. Governor Okpebholo's administration has placed security as the first pillar of its five-pillar SHINE agenda.
The South-South region faces unique security challenges, including oil theft, illegal refining, maritime piracy, and communal clashes. These issues have hindered development and prosperity in the region. The establishment of the 83 Division is part of Governor Okpebholo's efforts to address these regional security failures. The new division is one of four approved by President Tinubu, alongside the 5 Division in Makurdi, 9 Division in Ilorin, and 10 Division in Jalingo. The 83 Division will cover Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa States.
The 83 Division will have a specialised focus on oil and gas infrastructure protection, maritime security, and organised crime disruption. This will provide capabilities that local forces lack, including surveillance capacity, rapid response capability, and inter-state coordination. Governor Okpebholo's government continues to invest in local policing and community engagement. The governor's approach to the 83 Division is not as a federal project, but as a state project that he is actively driving forward.
During an inspection visit, Governor Okpebholo observed significant progress at the site in Teboga, Ikpoba-Okha local government area. The site has been cleared, and fencing is underway. Temporary accommodation is also ready. The governor expressed confidence that the facility would be ready within weeks. He noted that alternative temporary office spaces are available if required for the division's immediate take-off.
Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, accompanied the governor during the inspection. Balogun stated that the work is progressing steadily, and they are optimistic about the operationalisation of the division in the near future. The military side is committed to ensuring the division becomes operational.
Governor Okpebholo's reasoning behind choosing Benin as the location for the 83 Division highlights Edo State's strategic position in the South-South region. The governor argued that Edo sits at the geographic heart of the region, making it an ideal location for the division. This move is seen as recognition of Edo State's historical importance.
The establishment of the 83 Division is expected to improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, and enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure. The division will also improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, ensuring faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Key points
- The Nigerian Army's 83 Division is set to become operational in Benin, with a focus on oil and gas infrastructure protection, maritime security, and organised crime disruption.
- Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo is driving infrastructure development to support the division's operationalisation.
- The establishment of the 83 Division aims to address regional security failures and improve military response to emerging threats in the South-South region.
