The country continues to grapple with the scourge of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry because the current strategies being employed are fundamentally flawed.
He called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate a radical and comprehensive reorganisation of the national security architecture, asserting that the existing methods have failed to yield any significant improvements for the Nigerian people.
The leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force identified several systemic failures as the root causes of this instability.
He highlighted the detrimental impact of inter-agency rivalries and the presence of conflicting interests within the government, both of which serve as major roadblocks to progress.
Furthermore, Dokubo-Asari criticised the reliance on antiquated tactics and expressed scepticism regarding Nigeria's military and strategic partnerships with foreign powers like the United States.
He argued that these international collaborations have largely failed to deliver the security results that were promised or expected.
Turning his attention to his home region, Dokubo-Asari expressed a sombre view of the current state of the Niger Delta.
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He noted that the region's political influence has waned significantly compared to previous eras.
He reminisced about times when the Ijaw people held a substantial number of influential ministerial roles and lamented that the current administration provides them with what he considers to be negligible representation.
This lack of political weight, in his view, is a sign of the region's declining fortunes in the national discourse.
Beyond politics, Dokubo-Asari reflected on the shifting nature of activism within the country. He drew a sharp contrast between his generation of leaders and the younger activists of today.
He accused the newer generation of lacking the spirit of sacrifice, alleging that many are driven by personal gain rather than the collective good of their communities.
He pointed to instances where younger figures negotiate with oil corporations for private enrichment and engage in illicit activities that his generation would have found reprehensible.
He took the opportunity to defend his own legacy, stressing that he has maintained his personal integrity by refusing to participate in criminal enterprises like oil theft or kidnapping throughout his long career.
In terms of the current political landscape, Dokubo-Asari reaffirmed his staunch personal loyalty to President Tinubu, citing their long history together rather than any regional alignment.
However, he did not hold back in his criticism of the president's inner circle, whom he described as being out of touch with reality and dismissive of those who have made genuine sacrifices for the country.
He warned that the president might be shielded from the true state of the nation by these arrogant advisors.
When evaluating potential leaders and opposition figures, his critiques were pointed. While he allowed that Atiku Abubakar showed some level of administrative skill as vice president, he remained unconvinced of his ability to lead as a head of state.
He also largely dismissed the political record of Rotimi Amaechi, suggesting his various high-ranking roles did not translate into meaningful impact. His most severe warning, however, was reserved for the former governor of Anambra State.
He said, “I know Peter Obi very well, and I will keep saying that if Nigerians do not want a disaster, somebody like Peter Obi should never get close to a position of responsibility in this country.”
Furthermore, Dokubo-Asari shed light on his own direct involvement in national security operations.
He revealed that his team has been working to stabilise various regions since 2021, starting with a request from the previous administration to secure Anambra State during a period of high tension.
Since then, he claimed his operations have expanded to states like Zamfara, Niger, and Plateau.
Despite these efforts, he expressed frustration that his group has not been paid for over three years, forcing them to fund these high-risk operations independently.
He concluded by arguing that the security crisis is perpetuated by those who profit from it and that until the government prioritises local expertise over expensive, ineffective foreign contracts and acts swiftly on intelligence, the cycle of violence will continue.
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