Tensions in Rivers State have reached a boiling point as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, a militant group, has issued a threat to attack oil installations unless the ongoing political crisis is resolved and the state’s federal allocations are released. The group also called on non-indigenes in the state to leave, warning that hostilities are imminent.
In response, the Rivers State Police Command has vowed to take decisive action against any groups threatening national security, emphasizing that no faction has the monopoly on violence. The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured residents that law enforcement would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the state.
“We are taking this matter one step at a time,” Adepoju said. “No one has a monopoly of violence. We are ready for anything that comes. All eyes are on Rivers State right now, and we will not allow anyone to heat the polity.”
The latest tensions follow a series of political developments that have rocked Rivers State. The state has been in turmoil since 2023, with the Supreme Court ruling on February 28, 2025, affirming the legitimacy of the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly. The ruling also nullified the controversial October 5, 2024, local government elections, leading to an intensification of political maneuvering.
In a statement released by the Niger Delta Rescue Movement, the militants expressed their concern over the political crisis in the state and warned the federal government against dragging Rivers into further instability. The group blamed certain individuals in the state House of Assembly for what they called a “coordinated effort to incite chaos,” which they claimed could lead to a state of emergency or even an impeachment of the governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
In a viral video, armed militants brandishing AK-47s and other rifles warned of violent action if the political impasse was not addressed. The militants claimed that the state’s federal allocation had been withheld and called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately. They also threatened to disrupt oil production as a form of protest.
“We cannot generate revenue for the federation account and not receive our own share,” the militants stated in the video. “If the federal allocation due to Rivers State is not released, we will take decisive action, including targeting oil production.”
The group also urged non-indigenes to vacate the state for their safety as the situation could escalate further.
Political Reactions
In response to the militants’ threats, Chibike Ikenga, spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, dismissed the claims, asserting that the Nigerian state had the necessary resources to quell any unrest.
“It is criminal to issue such threats,” Ikenga said. “This is a political disagreement that has already been settled by the Supreme Court. The governor has committed to implementing the court’s judgment, and those threatening violence should know that they cannot stand against the might of the state.”
Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, also refrained from commenting directly on the militants’ video, stating that the government would issue an official response on Friday.
“We have seen one or two videos, but we don’t know who these people are, and we cannot speak on what we don’t know,” Johnson said.
Dissociation from Militancy
Amb Sobomabo Jackrich, the former governorship candidate for the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in Rivers State, has distanced himself and his party from the militants in the video. Jackrich, who is also a sub-contractor with the Tantita Security Service Nigeria Ltd, clarified that his security outfit does not engage in criminal activities and that the militants in the video were not affiliated with his group.
“The NRM has no link with the group in the video,” Jackrich stated at a press conference. “I also want to clarify that the outfit in the video, which some have mistakenly associated with my security team, does not represent our organization or its mission.”
Call for Federal Intervention
Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo, has also called on President Bola Tinubu to support Governor Fubara and help stabilize the situation in the state. Speaking at the inauguration of the Borokiri Fire Service Sub-Station in Port Harcourt, Sekibo stressed that Fubara’s leadership should be supported as the first Ijaw governor of the state in 24 years.
“Rivers people have always supported the government at the center,” Sekibo said. “Governor Fubara represents the collective hope of the people, and the President must continue to support him to ensure peace and progress in the state.”
Sekibo also highlighted the development work carried out by Fubara’s administration, such as the revitalization of the Borokiri Fire Service Sub-Station, and urged the people of Rivers to stand by the governor, despite the political challenges.
Conclusion
As the situation in Rivers State continues to develop, all eyes remain on the political and security dynamics that will unfold. While the state government, security agencies, and political leaders are taking measures to address the crisis, the threat posed by militants in the region remains a pressing issue for both state and federal authorities.
