By Ejime Udueme
Insecurity in Nigeria has become a pressing concern, with various groups posing threats to the nation’s security.
The country has been embroiled in conflict in the Northeast region with Boko Haram, an Islamist insurgency group, and its breakaway factions, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
These groups have been responsible for numerous attacks, killings, and kidnappings, including the attack on a minimum security prison in Kuje, where about 900 inmates escaped, including more than 60 Boko Haram suspects.
In addition to the threats from Islamist groups, Nigeria is also grappling with conflicts between nomadic herders and farming communities, which have given rise to powerful criminal gangs that terrorize communities, kill and also kidnap people for ransom.
The insecurity situation in Nigeria has been exacerbated by the lack of effective and proactive response from the federal government, which has led to widespread fear, panic, and apprehension amongst citizens.
This gave birth to regional security outfits , aimed at complimenting the effort of the police and other security agencies.
These regional security initiatives, such as Amotekun in South-West Region,
Ebube Agu for South-East,Operation Delta Hawk now Operation Delta Sweep for Delta State
and Operation Puff Adder in charge of North-West Region, were established to complement federal security efforts and address specific regional security challenges.
Operation Delta Sweep, which is an initiative of the Delta State Government was established to maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and prevent crime and insecurity in the state.
It is charged with the responsibility of Crime Prevention, Intelligence Gathering, Patrols and Surveillance, Community Engagement, Collaboration with Security Agencies, Rapid Response, Security Awareness and Support to Vulnerable Groups.
As a complementary Security Outfits, Operation Delta Sweep helps to maintain peace, security, and stability in Delta State.
The rebranding of Operation Delta Hawk to Operation Delta Sweep was in fulfilment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s desire to enhance peace as encapsulated in his MORE agenda.
To enhance the job of Operation Delta Sweep, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori recently presented 31 operational vehicles to the security outfit in addition to communication gadgets that were initially donated to them.
The vehicles were handed over to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun at Government House Asaba, to be used by men of the Operation Delta Sweep.
At the presentation ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said the donation was informed by the general insecurity being experienced in the country and charged the security agencies to work together.
Shortly after the handover, the Director General, in charge of Security in Delta State, Hon David Tonwe said there will be no hiding place for kidnappers, arm-bearing herdsmen and other miscreants who aids and abets crime and criminality within the State.
He said residents of the State will enjoy peace before, during and after the yuletide.
In all intents and purposes, the regional security outfits in Nigeria ranging from Omotekun, Ebube Agụ, Puff Adder and Operation Delta Sweep had recorded remarkable breakthroughs in security due to the cooperation of host Communities.
The Police and other security agencies cannot comb the length and bredth of the country without the contributions of all citizens via information on crimes while government at all levels and stakeholders should invest more money into the fight against criminal activities.
This is largely due to the fact that no meaningful development can occur in an atmosphere of insecurity and uncertainty.
In Delta, when crime is brought to its knees in the creeks and upland, the State will earn more money from federal allocation, investors will come, more jobs will be created and people will sleep with their two eyes closed.
Operation Delta Sweep has been instrumental in reducing crime rates in Delta State, particularly in areas prone to kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
The outfit has fostered effective collaboration with other security agencies, including the police and military, to ensure a coordinated response to security threats.
It has engaged with local communities to build trust, provide security awareness, and encourage cooperation.
The crack team has provided rapid response to emergency situations, such as kidnappings or armed robberies in addition to reduction of clashes between herders and farmers in Delta State, promoting peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding.
Its rebranding will boost its breakthroughs in making the state unsafe for criminals.
It is a wake up call to the outfit to reciprocate government’s investment by performing their duties professionally while residents of the State should give useful information that could help nip crimes in the board.
………Ejime Udueme