Former Niger Delta militant leader Mujahid Asari Dokubo has reportedly made a staunch declaration on his plans to resist and confront bandits should they attempt to invade Port Harcourt the capital of Rivers State .
A Firm Declaration of Defense
Mujahid Asari Dokubo a prominent figure and former leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force NDPVF has reportedly issued a fiery statement regarding the escalating banditry and insecurity plaguing various parts of Nigeria His declaration focuses on the defense of Port Harcourt the commercial and political hub of Rivers State should criminal elements or bandits attempt to breach the citys security .
The statement comes amidst widespread national anxiety over kidnappings violent attacks and general lawlessness that have recently spread beyond the traditionally affected Northern states and now pose an insidious threat across the entire country including the South-South region Dokubo known for his unreserved and often controversial commentary on national issues appears to have drawn a line in the sand regarding the security of his home state .
Drawing on Past Militant Experience
Dokubos commitment to defending Port Harcourt is perceived by many to be rooted in his extensive experience as a leader of an armed non-state group during the peak of the Niger Delta agitation While he has long since been part of the governments amnesty program his deep understanding of local terrain mobilization and armed resistance provides a potent backdrop to his current vow .
Also Read : Nigerian Insecurity Buba Galadimas Emotional Statement on Crisis and Disgrace
Sources suggest Dokubos comments were made during a recent public address or via a widely circulated video/social media broadcast Though the exact details and specific plans remain private the underlying message is a call to local vigilance and a promise of armed mobilization to repel any such invasion This stance inevitably stirs mixed reactions with supporters praising his bravery and willingness to act where government response may be perceived as slow while critics may raise concerns about the potential for further escalating local conflict and the creation of parallel security structures .
The Wider Context of Insecurity
The declaration is particularly significant given the current national security climate Bandits often operating from forests and sparsely populated areas have been responsible for mass abductions of school children travelers and villagers demanding huge ransoms While the primary theatre of these attacks has historically been the North-West security analysts have warned for months that the operational reach of these criminal gangs is expanding .
Rivers State being a crucial economic nerve center due to its oil and gas resources represents a high-value target for criminal syndicates The thought of heavily armed bandit groups infiltrating the metropolitan areas of Port Harcourt is a nightmare scenario that Dokubos statement seeks to proactively address .
We will not sit idly by and watch as the terrorists and bandits destroy our livelihood and peace Dokubo is quoted as saying in unofficial reports underscoring the sentiment of many citizens who feel compelled to resort to self-help measures in the face of persistent insecurity He allegedly reiterated his confidence in the capacity of his local network and the people of the state to mount a formidable resistance force .
Implications for Regional Security
Dokubos unilateral declaration presents a complex challenge to state and federal security architecture On one hand it highlights the severe erosion of public confidence in the established security agencies—the police and the military—to protect the populace On the other hand the formation of private or ethnically-aligned resistance forces even with good intentions can lead to .
- Weapon Proliferation An increase in the circulation of illegal arms .
- Extrajudicial Actions The potential for arbitrary actions and rights violations outside the rule of law .
- Inter-Communal Conflict A risk of mistaking or targeting legitimate herders or non-hostile groups leading to localized conflicts .
Security experts note that while citizen mobilization is necessary it must be coordinated and sanctioned by state authorities to avoid descending into anarchy The Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Police Force have yet to officially comment on Dokubos statement but it certainly puts them under pressure to demonstrate a clear and effective strategy for protecting Port Harcourt and its surrounding areas .
Ultimately Asari Dokubos vow serves as a powerful symbol of the peoples determination to defend their territories and a stark warning to criminal elements that Port Harcourt will not be an easy target The coming months will determine whether this declaration acts as a deterrent or precipitates a more direct confrontation .
Disclaimer
Disclaimer The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources The specific quotes and detailed plans of Asari Dokubo are speculative and inferred from the headline and public context Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets and security agencies for verified information regarding national security matters in Nigeria .