Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army to site the headquarters of the newly created 83 Division in Delta State.

The governor made the request when a committee from the Nigerian Army Headquarters visited him at the Government House in Asaba for a stakeholders’ consultation.  

The consultation followed the creation of the 83 Division and the planned realignment of the Army’s areas of responsibility.

Oborevwori told the delegation that Delta was more centrally located within the area that would be covered by the new division.

He argued that the state’s geographical position would make it easier for military personnel and authorities to connect with Edo and Bayelsa, which are also part of the division’s proposed area of responsibility.  

The governor also emphasised Delta’s importance to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

He said the state has strategic national assets that require adequate security protection and argued that locating the headquarters in Delta could support security operations around those assets.

Oborevwori also referenced the state’s airports and seaports while presenting his case.

He assured the Nigerian Army of the state government’s willingness to support the establishment of the military formation.

The Army has said the creation of the new division followed President Tinubu’s approval to expand the Nigerian Army from eight to 12 divisions.

The approved structure lists Benin City as the headquarters of the 83 Division, with responsibility for Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.