Delta Based Group Expose Criminal Activities Of Itsekiris Disguised As Vigilante Group, Calls On Security Agencies, Delta State Government To Immediately Arrest Members Of The Group And Their Sponsors -

By Esther David

OPEN LETTER FROM NIGER DELTA WATCH LIGHT FOR DEVELOPMENT
DATES:22/1/2026

We write this letter in anger, frustration and total rejection of the criminal rot that has taken over Delta State under the false cover of “vigilante” and community security. What is happening today is not security, it is organized crime wearing uniforms and operating freely because of silence, compromise and deliberate cover-ups by those who should protect the people.

For too long, criminal gangs have been hiding under the name of SOS security outfits, terrorizing innocent citizens, abducting people, extorting money and spreading fear across communities. These so-called security groups have become nothing more than kidnapping syndicates with badges and their activities are now one of the biggest threats to peace in the state.

What makes this more dangerous is that these same criminal structures are now being used as tools to destabilize Warri and frustrate the final ward delineation of Warri Federal Constituency. There is a clear and disturbing pattern: since the issue of delineation reaches a critical stage, violence rises, illegal weapons appear and fake security groups suddenly become active. This is not coincidence. This is strategy.

THE CASE OF SAPELE: A WARNING TO THE NATION

Sapele was once a peaceful city where people lived without fear. Today, that peace is under serious attack, not from external enemies but from armed gangs operating under the name of community security. The case of Mr. Jonathan, popularly known as Don Dada, is a painful example. He was allegedly abducted by Liberty an itshekiri man who is the commander of an SOS group, he forcefully collected his gold chain worth about nine million naira and sold it. Another resident, Mr. Emmanuel, was also allegedly kidnapped by the same group. These are not rumours, they are serious criminal allegations that must not be swept under the carpet like many others before them.

We are aware that Liberty has now been arrested by the Sapele DPO Special Kidnapping Squad and transferred to the Ughelli Kidnapping Headquarters. This arrest must not become another drama where noise ends in silence and criminals quietly return to society as heroes. Delta State has suffered too many cases where people are arrested today and released tomorrow, only to continue their crimes with more confidence.

There have also been previous reports of illegal arms being brought into the state and intercepted by security agencies, including the DSS. These matters must not be buried. Weapons do not enter communities by accident. Somebody funds them. Somebody coordinates them. Somebody benefits from the chaos. And today, it is obvious that these weapons and fake security outfits are being used to intimidate, attack and silence communities that are part and support the Warri ward delineation process.

The insecurity in Warri, the shootings, the kidnappings and the rise of armed groups are not random crimes, they are political crimes aimed at creating fear, division and instability so that the truth of population, geography and representation will never come to light.

We therefore call on the Federal Government, the National Security Adviser, the DSS, the Inspector-General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to place Delta State under serious security searchlight. All fake and unregulated vigilante groups must be dismantled immediately. All individuals involved in kidnapping, extortion and illegal arms must be prosecuted publicly. All sponsors and political protectors of these criminal networks must be exposed, no matter how powerful they think they are.

INEC must also understand that silence is no longer neutral. The refusal to publish the final ward delineation result is feeding insecurity, not preventing it. When justice is delayed, criminals find space to operate. When truth is hidden, violence becomes a weapon.

Security is not noise. Security is not uniforms. Security is not shouting SOS. Real security is law, discipline, accountability and fear of consequences. Any group that kidnaps, arms itself illegally or terrorizes citizens is not a vigilante, it is a criminal organization and must be treated as such.

We say it clearly and without apology: say no to kidnapping, say no to criminal security outfits, say no to cover-ups and say yes to real policing and real justice. Let Sapele breathe again. Let Warri be safe again. Let Delta State stop bleeding.

This issue must not be buried, must not be politicized and must not be settled in secret. Justice must be loud, justice must be public and justice must be permanent.

Signed:

Comr, Kingsley Ovie – President

Dr, Phillip Okubo – Secretary

Niger Delta Watch Light for Development

Cc:
The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

The National Security Adviser (NSA)

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP)

The Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

The Governor, Delta State

The Delta State Commissioner of Police

The Attorney-General of the Federation