Former Niger Delta militant leader, Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has called on security agencies, particularly the Nigerian military, to take the recent threats made by Mujahid Asari Dokubo, leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force (NDVF), seriously. Dokubo has threatened to shoot down military planes, and Akpodoro believes that downplaying such threats could embolden others to challenge the authority of the state.
In a statement to Vanguard, Akpodoro emphasized the importance of decisive action against Dokubo to uphold national security. “Dokubo has always been a militant who never fully disarmed during the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP),” he noted, stressing the military’s duty to protect the nation’s integrity and sovereignty.
The urgency of Akpodoro’s call comes in the wake of a viral video in which Dokubo threatened to shoot down a military aircraft allegedly hovering over his settlement. Akpodoro labeled this as a direct threat to national security, urging the military to act swiftly against Dokubo, stating that no individual is above the Nigerian state.
Akpodoro criticized Dokubo for overstepping his bounds, insisting that the NDVF leader must be held accountable and compelled to disclose the location of his weapons. He also urged Dokubo to take lessons from Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, a former militant leader who has played a key role in fostering peace in the region and combating oil theft.
Describing Tompolo as a respected and patriotic figure, Akpodoro advised 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,” he concluded.