Edo Groups See Fresh Hope In Fight Against Insecurity With 83 Army Division

by Idahosa Musa

For communities that have lived under the shadow of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and other forms of criminality, the establishment of the 83 Division of the Nigerian Army in Benin has been described as more than a military reorganization, it is a fresh promise of security and renewed confidence.

The Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance and the Edo People’s Initiative for Peace and Security gave the assessment during a joint peaceful rally in Benin City to celebrate the establishment of the new Army division.

The groups, in a joint address read by the Chairman of the Edo People’s Initiative for Peace and Security, Comrade Innocent Ajayi, said the decision by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring a dedicated military command closer to the people would significantly strengthen the security architecture of Edo State and the South-South region.

They noted that the location of the division in Benin City could prove critical in confronting security threats before they escalate, particularly in communities where difficult terrain and distance from security formations had, in the past, slowed emergency responses.

According to the groups, the new command would provide the military with greater capacity for intelligence gathering, surveillance and rapid response, while improving coordination among the Army, police and other security agencies.

They said its strategic presence would also help secure major highways, farmlands, waterways and border communities, thereby giving farmers, traders, transporters and other residents greater confidence to go about their legitimate businesses.

The groups commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for what they described as decisive leadership in strengthening and repositioning the nation’s security architecture.

They said the establishment of the 83 Division had demonstrated that the Federal Government’s efforts to expand and reorganize the Nigerian Army were no longer merely matters of policy, but were translating into concrete security structures on the ground.

While congratulating the General Officer Commanding the 83 Division, the groups urged him and the officers under his command to justify the confidence placed in them by the military authorities and the people of Edo State.

They also pledged to support the division and promote peaceful and lawful conduct among residents, stressing that communities must become active partners in the fight against insecurity rather than passive observers.

However, the groups appealed to President Tinubu to sustain the momentum by providing the Army with adequate funding, modern equipment and the institutional support required to make the new formation effective.

They stressed that military courage alone could not end insecurity, arguing that sustained funding, quality intelligence, inter-agency cooperation and strong political backing were equally essential to winning the war against criminality.

The groups further linked security to economic prosperity, saying a peaceful Edo State would attract investors, revive commercial activities, boost agriculture, create employment and improve the general wellbeing of residents.

They therefore urged the people of Edo to cooperate with soldiers and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities, while avoiding actions capable of undermining peace.

The groups described the 83 Division as a “symbol of hope” for Edo and neighbouring states, expressing optimism that its presence would usher in a new era in the fight against insecurity and strengthen the confidence of citizens in the capacity of government to protect lives and property.