The Delta State government has boosted the logistics capacity of the Nigerian Correctional Service in the state with the donation of five new operational vehicles, commonly known as Green Marias.

The vehicles were formally handed over to the Delta State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service at Government House, Asaba, in a brief but symbolic ceremony attended by top government officials and senior correctional officers.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the gesture underscored his administration’s resolve to support security institutions and strengthen the justice system. He explained that the vehicles were procured to ease the movement of inmates and personnel, and to ensure safer, more efficient operations across custodial centres in the state.

Oborevwori noted that an effective correctional system relies heavily on adequate logistics and reliable transportation. He stressed that the new vehicles would enhance day-to-day activities of officers, improve their response time, and promote better supervision and coordination of correctional duties in all parts of Delta State.

The governor linked the donation to the Enhanced Peace and Security pillar of his MORE Agenda, pointing out that although the Nigerian Correctional Service is a federal agency, its work has direct implications for law and order at the state level. He reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with all federal security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

Oborevwori also charged officers of the command to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles and to deploy them strictly for official assignments, warning that government resources must be used responsibly and transparently.

Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the service, the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwackuche, represented by the Controller of Corrections, Delta State Command, Chuke Idoko, commended the Delta State government for the intervention. He said the vehicles would significantly improve the command’s operational efficiency, particularly in the safe conveyance of inmates to and from courts and other facilities.

Idoko assured the state government that the vehicles would be put to optimal use and maintained to ensure longevity, adding that the support would help the service fulfil its mandate of safe custody and rehabilitation more effectively.

The event was witnessed by the Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, commissioners, senior civil servants and other dignitaries, highlighting the importance the administration places on security and justice-sector reforms.