Former Niger Delta militant leader, Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, has urged security agencies, particularly the Nigerian military, to take seriously the recent threats made by Mujahid Asari Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force (NDVF), to shoot down military planes.
In a statement sent to Vanguard, Akpodoro emphasized that treating Dokubo’s threats lightly could embolden others to challenge the authority of the state. He called for Dokubo to be made an example of for undermining national security.
“Dokubo has always been a militant who never fully disarmed during the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP),” Akpodoro stated. “The Nigerian military has a duty to protect the nation’s integrity and sovereignty and must therefore act decisively against him.”
The call for action follows a viral video in which Dokubo threatened to shoot down a military aircraft allegedly hovering over his settlement. Akpodoro labeled this a direct threat to national security and urged the military to swiftly act, stating that no individual, including Dokubo, is above the Nigerian state.
Akpodoro criticized Dokubo for overstepping his bounds, asserting, “The leader of the NDVF must be held accountable and compelled to reveal where his weapons are stored.”
He further urged Dokubo to learn from Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, a former militant leader who has been instrumental in fostering peace in the region and leading efforts to curb oil theft. Akpodoro described Tompolo as a respected and patriotic figure, advising Dokubo to emulate his leadership style.
“Tompolo has become a key figure in maintaining peace in the Niger Delta, and Dokubo should follow his example. Should Dokubo attempt to carry out his threat, the military has every right to neutralize him in defense of the state,” Akpodoro concluded.
vanguard