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Seadogs Want FG Declares State Of Emergency On Kidnapping As Insecurity Worsens Nationwide

Published

1 year ago

August 19, 2024

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In a grave expression of concern over the escalating kidnapping crisis in Nigeria, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, has called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on kidnapping urgently.

The call comes in response to a disturbing surge in abductions and the brutal killings of victims, which have become increasingly rampant across the country.

However, in a statement issued Monday by the NAS Capn, Dr Joseph Oteri, the situation has reached a critical point, with criminal elements operating with impunity and spreading fear and chaos among the populace.

According to section 33(1) of the 1999 Constitution, “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”

“The value placed on human life has diminished to an alarming degree. Kidnapping has become a daily occurrence, with victims often murdered without hesitation. This terrifying reality underscores a dangerous societal shift where life is no longer sacred,” Oteri added.

The association highlighted recent incidents that underscore the gravity of the situation, including the kidnapping of an Anambra State Commissioner and his wife, while en route to Abuja.

The fatal killing of one of the state government’s aides identified as Abubakar Offiah during the attack is a stark illustration of the brutality of these criminals, the statement stressed.

Recently too, a former member of the House of Representatives, Joan Mrakpor, was kidnapped. The gunmen shot dead two persons while several people sustained injuries during the attack.

The NAS Capn noted, “Additionally, the abduction of over 20 medical students in Benue State, who were on their way to a conference, emphasizes that even those dedicated to the nation’s future are not safe from this menace.

“The pervasive nature of this insecurity is not limited to any one region but has affected almost every part of Nigeria. From the Southern states of Anambra, Imo, Delta, Edo, Rivers, and Bayelsa, to the Southwest in Osun and Oyo, and the Northern regions of Kogi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Taraba, and Borno, traveling across Nigeria has become a perilous endeavour.”

Oteri pointed out that the widespread nature of this crisis has created a national emergency that requires immediate and robust intervention.

“The government’s failure to take decisive action has left many citizens feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
“Declaring a state of emergency on kidnapping would send a strong message that the government is committed to restoring order, safeguarding lives, and rebuilding trust in its institutions,” he said.

As a way out of the situation, the association advised the Federal Government to among others, “Strengthen security forces by deploying additional security personnel, including military, police, and special anti-kidnapping units, to areas most affected by kidnapping. Enhance their training, equip them with modern technology, and improve intelligence-gathering capabilities.

“Set up victim support services by providing psychological support, counselling to victims of kidnapping and their families. This not only helps in their recovery but also builds confidence in the government’s commitment to tackling the issue.
“These among others are some critical steps towards addressing the security challenges that continue to threaten the lives and safety of Nigerians nationwide.”

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NiMet Predicts Three-day Rain, Thunderstorms From Monday

Published

8 hours ago

September 21, 2025

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JUST IN: Ooni Visits Olubadan-designate Ladoja In Ibadan

Published

13 hours ago

September 21, 2025

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Sunday, paid a visit to the Olubadan designate, Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija private residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The PUNCH reports that Oba Ladoja will be installed as the 44th Olubadan on Friday, September 26, 2025, following the demise of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90 years.

The two paramount rulers are currently exchanging pleasantries.

Details later…

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JUST IN: FG Revokes 1,263 Mineral Licenses Over Unpaid Fees

Published

13 hours ago

September 21, 2025

Editor

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has announced a fresh revocation of not less than 1,263 mineral licenses.

These licenses, which will now be deleted from the Electronic Mining Cadastral System portal of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, include 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases.

The minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, gave the revocation announcement in a statement issued by his special assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Sunday in Abuja.

The minister explained that the directive was issued due to the companies’ failure to comply with the requirement of paying their annual service fees.

The latest revocation brings the total mineral titles revoked under the current administration to 3, 794 including,619 mineral titles revoked for defaulting in paying annual service fees and 912 for dormancy last year.

By opening up the areas formerly covered by these licenses, the revocation is expected to spur fresh applications by investors looking for fresh opportunities.

The statement read, “Not less than 1,263 mineral licenses will be deleted from the portal of the Electronic Mining Cadastral system of the Nigerian Mining Cadastral Office, MCO, following their revocation by the Federal Government.

“These include 584 exploration licenses, 65 mining leases, 144 quarry licenses, and 470 small-scale mining leases.”

Approving the revocation following the recommendation of the MCO, the Minister said applying the law to keep speculators and unserious investors away from the mining sector would make way for diligent investors and grow the sector.

“The era of obtaining licences and keeping them in drawers for the highest bidder, while financially capable and industrious businessmen are complaining of access to good sites, is over.

“The annual service fee is the minimum evidence that you are interested in mining. You don’t have to wait for us to revoke the license because the law allows you to return the license if you change your mind,” the minister said.

He warned that the revocation does not mean the Federal Government has pardoned the annual service debt owed by licensees, adding that the list will be forwarded to the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission to ensure that debtors pay or face the wrath of the law.

“This is to encourage due diligence and emphasise the consequences of inundating the license application processes with speculative activities.”

In the recommendation to the minister, the Director-General of the MCO, Simon Nkom, disclosed that there were 1,957 initial defaulters when the MCO published the intention to revoke licences in the Federal Government Gazette on June 19, 2025.

He informed the minister that the gazette was distributed to MCO offices nationwide to sensitise licencees and encourage them to comply within 30 days in compliance with the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and relevant regulations.

He observed that the delay in the final recommendation was due to complaints of several licensees who claimed to have paid to the Federal Government through Remita and had to be reconciled.

Earlier this month, the DG MCO had hinted that more mining licences would be revoked as part of ongoing efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector and protect investors from fraudsters.

According to Nkom, the clean-up exercise, which covers expired, speculative, and inactive titles, is necessary to make room for genuine investors and ensure compliance with the law.

This is part of ongoing efforts at sanitising the sector since the inception of the Tinubu administration, and the salutary effects of the reforms are massive and manifest despite the attempts to push back by defaulters and their agents.