Sylvester Idowu in Warri 

The Niger Delta Peoples Movement (NDPM) has tasked security formations in the region to improve on intelligence gathering, surveillance and visible operations so as to prevent insecurity and kidnapping of school children from infiltrating the region.

The group said the call became necessary in order to prevent any crisis in the region and also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities promptly to the appropriate authorities.

It expressed deep concern and unwavering condemnation over the persistent and horrifying abductions of school girls across Nigeria. 

The group, in a statement issued Thursday and signed by its Executive Secretary, Ejiro Ineneji, said the attacks, carried out by extremist elements exploiting the country’s widening security lapses, represented a direct assault on childhood, education, national dignity and the moral fabric of the nation.

He noted that Nigeria was currently facing a severe and rapidly deteriorating security environment that has left citizens anxious and unprotected in every region. 

“Communities no longer feel safe, businesses are shutting down and both local and foreign investors are withdrawing due to sustained instability. The situation has reached a critical point that is no longer acceptable,” it added.

NDPM therefore called on the Nigerian Police Force, the military and all national security agencies to demonstrate renewed courage, professionalism and commitment to their constitutional responsibilities. 

“At this sensitive moment, the nation’s security institutions appear weakened before the very citizens they are sworn to defend, and before the international community that once viewed Nigeria as a beacon of leadership, strength and African excellence. This accelerating erosion of security is damaging Nigeria’s reputation, economic outlook, and global standing,” it stated.

The group also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement stronger, innovative, and if necessary, unconventional measures to decisively confront the escalating threats ravaging the country. 

It maintained that the era of insisting that the situation was fully under control had passed, stressing: “Every major attack is now recorded and circulated publicly by the perpetrators. The foundation of the nation is trembling, and this is not the time to protect the top of the pyramid while the base weakens beneath it.”

NDPM called on the Presidency to declare a national state of emergency on security and take direct, urgent command of national safety and counter-terrorism operations. 

“The movement further reminds the Federal Government that there is a sizable pool of Nigerian-American active-duty and veteran military professionals willing and capable of providing specialized skills, advanced support, and strategic reinforcement if required.

“Nigerians are exhausted and disillusioned. The country is tired of the embarrassing and avoidable decline that has made Nigeria a recurring subject of negative global attention and diplomatic concern. NDPM stands firmly with citizens across all regions who are demanding safety, justice, and the restoration of national order.

“NDPM commends the Cross River State Government for banning open grazing and calls on other Niger Delta states with anti–open grazing legislation to fully enforce their policies. Such measures remain crucial for preventing conflicts and reducing insecurity across the South-south and beyond.

“This is a national emergency. Nigeria needs leadership that is decisive, proactive and fully present. The time has come to reclaim the nation and restore stability,” it added.

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