The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate introduction of concrete and measurable measures to address the worsening wave of kidnappings across Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Judith Aguenu, the party described the security situation as a national crisis that has left citizens living in fear and exposed to criminal gangs operating with impunity.
The DLA expressed concern that recent government initiatives, including the planned recruitment of 1,000 forest guards, have not reassured Nigerians about the seriousness of efforts to combat the kidnapping epidemic.
According to the party, abductions have become a daily occurrence across the country, affecting travellers, families, students, farmers and worshippers in both rural and urban communities.
“Today, millions of Nigerians live in fear. Hardly a day passes without reports of citizens being abducted from highways, homes, schools, farms, places of worship, and communities,” the statement said.
The party warned that the growing insecurity is disrupting economic activities, restricting movement, and worsening social and agricultural productivity, particularly in rural areas.
It noted that farmers are abandoning farmlands due to safety concerns, contributing to food insecurity and rising economic hardship.
The DLA also claimed that many of its members across the country have been directly affected by the escalating security challenges.
The opposition party argued that kidnapping has become a widespread criminal enterprise fuelled by weak law enforcement, unemployment, porous borders and the proliferation of illegal arms.
It insisted that addressing the crisis requires more than military deployments, calling for broader reforms that include improved intelligence gathering, anti-corruption measures, enhanced security coordination and the use of modern surveillance technology.
The party also urged swift prosecution of kidnappers and their sponsors as a deterrent to others.
Calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action, the DLA demanded that the Federal Government declare kidnapping a national emergency.
“We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare the kidnapping epidemic a national emergency,” the statement said.
The party subsequently issued a 14-day deadline for the government to show tangible progress in tackling the crisis.
“Accordingly, the Democratic Leadership Alliance hereby issues a 14-day notice to the Federal Government to unveil and commence the implementation of practical and measurable actions aimed specifically at reducing kidnapping and restoring public confidence in the nation’s security architecture,” it stated.
The DLA warned that failure to act within the timeframe could lead to further democratic and legal actions, including public advocacy and engagement with local and international stakeholders.
The party stressed that protecting lives and property remains the core responsibility of government and urged authorities to act swiftly to restore public confidence.
“Nigeria cannot continue on this dangerous path,” it said, adding that citizens deserve to live without fear of abduction or violent attacks.
