Chris Awhawha
By Chris Awhawha
It is about two years the Delta State Government led by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa set up an internal security outfit known as Operation Delta Hawk.
The state owned security outfit, Operation Delta Hawk was established with the aim to compliment the efforts of other security agencies in curtailing crime related activities in the state.
In December 11, 2020, the Governor, Senator ( Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa inaugurated Operation Delta Hawk, to collaborate with stakeholders promote peace and enabling environment for residents across the state.
The Operation Delta Hawk, was not established to work independently or in isolation, but to work closely with Federal Government owned security agencies for a positive results.
The Operation Delta Hawk is charged with information gathering and providing the enabling environment and necessary supports to aide the operations of other security agencies.
Since the inception and appointment of Hon. David Tonwe as Director General of Operation Delta Hawk, the state owned security outfit has performed credibly well, working closely with security body, promptly and proactive in tackling crime related incidents in the state.
The Director – General, David Tonwe, is a grassroots politician and he understands the terrain, hence the Operation Delta Hawk had made significant progress and discharged its duty effectively and efficiently.
However, it should be noted that till date, even developed Nations are battling with security challenges and threat because crime is an act from the mind of an individual which is beyond the control of government or security agencies.
The government or security agencies can only attempt to prevent crime or curtail escalation of crime either by reacting promptly to distress calls, or also through advocacy educating the populace on the dangers of being caught in act of crime.
Though, there are still pockets of crime in parts of the state, but evidently, the Operation Delta Hawk, Police and other security agencies collectively reduced the rate of crime in the state.
All over the world, no government or security agency can stop crime outrightly, the government and it’s security agencies can only control the occurrence or incidence by way of applying the method of deterrence which is enforcing adequate punishment on crime committed.
It is entire untrue to insinuate that Operations Delta Hawk has failed in its responsibility to tackle criminal activities in the state since it was established.
The simple truth is that Operation Delta Hawk has not failed, but rather working in tandem with laid down procedures which is collaborating with the Police and relevant security agencies to minimize the crime rate in the state.
More so, the Police, security agencies including Operation Delta Hawk needs adequate information to act on and this is where the society and citizens have the responsibility to pre-inform the security of suspicious act and movements in every vicinity.
Crime such as killings, kidnapping, robbery are caused by factors beyond the control of government and security agencies including Operation Delta Hawk.
This is so because at the point or time when an individual is conceiving the thought or plan to commit a crime, the government and security agencies cannot know and that is why the security agencies can only respond to information or distress calls to quell or curtail crime incidents.
Security is the responsibility of the society because the security agencies are there to act while citizens are there to provide useful information to prevent crime.
Delta State is one of the peaceful state and low in crime rate because the Operation Delta Hawk and Police have been working together effectively and efficiently in this regard.
Particularly, there have been peace, and safety, security of lives and property in the riverine and rural communities. The crime rate is drastically reduced in those areas.
The collaboration between the Police and Operation Delta Hawk had shown that Delta state is enjoying maximum security and there is also low records/incidents of violence and criminal activities in the state.
In all assessment, the Operation Delta Hawk has performed credibly well, even though it is expected to do more to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.
The state owned security outfit, Operation Delta Hawk has justified it’s creation by the Delta State Government, however, the government should also review the operation and find out areas that requires improvement and necessary supports.
The Director -General of Operation Delta Hawk, Hon. David Tonwe, is a Deltan, who has been given the opportunity and also utilising same to contribute his own quota to peace, safety and security to his state, fellow Deltans and non Deltans resident in the state.
Hon. David Tonwe has shown capacity and competence in overseeing the state owned security outfit and more is expected of him and his team.
Also, the Governor, Senator ( Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa should be commended for the establishment of Operation Delta Hawks, it affirms the Governor’s genuine commitment to peace, safety and security in Delta State.
Experts have also suggested that Delta State Government should further strengthen and widen the scope of operations of the Operation Delta Hawk to enhance its community relations.
Finally, Christmas is approaching, it is expected that Operation Delta Hawks in collaboration with Police and other security agencies would ensure adequate security for residents in Delta state.
Chris Awhawha, Peace Advocate, Delta State