Tensions in oil-rich Rivers State have reached a boiling point as the Niger Delta Rescue Movement (NDRM), a militant group, has issued a stark warning to the federal government. The group has threatened to disrupt oil production if the state’s monthly allocation is not released, further deepening the ongoing political crisis.
In a viral video released on Thursday, masked militants armed with sophisticated weapons chanted war slogans and declared their resolve to resist what they described as efforts to destabilize the state under Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The group directly accused lawmakers aligned with Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State governor, of orchestrating the turmoil.
The militants condemned the lawmakers’ recent 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Governor Fubara present the 2025 state budget, calling it a “coordinated effort to incite chaos.” Their spokesperson warned that if the federal allocation due to Rivers State was not released promptly, they would take “decisive action, including hitting oil production.”
“We cannot be generating billions into the federation account and then be denied our rightful share,” the militant leader declared. “Our workers deserve their salaries, and our government must have the resources to execute essential development projects.”
Security Agencies on High Alert
In response to the threats, the Rivers State Police Command has vowed to clamp down on any attempts to destabilize the state. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju assured residents that law enforcement agencies were fully prepared to handle any situation and warned that “no group has a monopoly on violence.”
“If fire is coming from heaven, it will not consume only one person; definitely, everybody will be consumed. So, nobody can threaten anybody. We are handling the situation the way we should and are ready for anything that is going to come,” Adepoju stated.
He also commended Governor Fubara’s efforts in managing the political crisis “maturely and effectively” while reiterating the police force’s commitment to maintaining stability in the state.
