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Seadogs Want FG Declares State Of Emergency On Kidnapping As Insecurity Worsens Nationwide
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.”
By Gloria Ikibah
A major shortfall in autism diagnosis across Nigeria has left hundreds of thousands of children without access to early support, raising concerns about long-term impacts on families and the country’s healthcare system.
In response to the growing gap, The Alternative Bank has unveiled a nationwide campaign aimed at improving awareness, early detection and access to care.
The initiative, themed “It’s How You Show Up”, is being delivered in collaboration with Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation and Eliakim Foundation.
Despite estimates suggesting that more than 600,000 children in Nigeria may be on the autism spectrum, limited infrastructure and specialist care mean that most cases go undiagnosed. Many children are only identified at around the age of seven, missing the crucial early years when intervention is most effective. The situation is compounded by a shortage of trained professionals, with fewer than 200 psychiatrists serving a population exceeding 200 million.
The campaign is designed to tackle these systemic challenges through a combination of public awareness efforts, specialised training for caregivers, and expanded access to clinical screenings. Organisers say the screenings will help families move more quickly from suspicion to diagnosis, while also linking them to appropriate medical and educational support.
A key feature of the initiative is a policy-focused roundtable scheduled for 24 April in Lagos, where healthcare experts, government officials and private sector leaders will examine how autism screening can be integrated into Nigeria’s primary healthcare system. Discussions will also explore sustainable funding options to support children and families after diagnosis.
The campaign reflects increasing recognition of the need for coordinated action to close the diagnosis gap and strengthen long-term support for neurodiverse children across the country.
Group Executive at The Alternative Bank, Dr Jekwu Ozoemene, said: “We do not see inclusion as a seasonal task but as a vital part of a healthy society.
“Through this initiative, we are not just talking about support, we are delivering it. By tracking the results of these screenings and interventions, we can build a real system that helps the autism community and strengthens the nation”.
The ‘It’s How You Show Up’ campaign is part of the commitment by AltBank to social impact investment and inclusive finance. Individuals, caregivers, and organisations interested in the screening programme or the stakeholder roundtable can visit altbank.ng/autism26 for more information.
Isoko people in a trending video have vowed to block campaign moves if light is not restored in Isoko Nation.
Both local government areas have been in darkness for years.
In a sighted video Isoko people brandishing various placards bearing graffiti declaring that if power is not restored there will be no political campaigns in 2027.
Watch:
By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria’s telecoms regulator has directed network operators to compensate subscribers with airtime where poor service delivery has been confirmed, signalling a firmer stance on consumer protection.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said the move forms part of a strengthened enforcement regime aimed at improving network performance and holding operators accountable for persistent shortcomings.
The Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, outlined the development at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, where he detailed fresh compliance measures being rolled out across the sector.
Under the new approach, operators will be required to provide airtime credits to affected customers in areas where they have failed to meet the commission’s minimum quality standards. The obligation rests entirely on the service providers, rather than the regulator.
The commission said it is now relying on more precise monitoring tools that track network performance at local government level. This allows regulators to identify specific locations and timeframes where service quality falls below expectations, rather than relying on broad or general complaints.
Maida said the targeted system will make enforcement more effective, ensuring that compensation is tied directly to verified lapses in service delivery.
The directive covers network failures recorded between November 2025 and January 2026 across several operators, marking one of the most concrete steps yet by the regulator to address ongoing consumer frustrations in the telecoms sector.
“Eligible subscribers will receive airtime credits with notifications explaining the cause and value of the compensation,” he said.
He added that notifications would improve transparency and help users understand why compensation was applied to their accounts.
Maida noted the commission has significantly strengthened its monitoring systems to capture real-time, location-specific service performance data.
“These systems ensure enforcement reflects actual user experience rather than generalised industry averages,” he said, highlighting improved regulatory precision.
He added that operators are required to implement the compensation directly, while the NCC provides oversight to ensure compliance.
“Independent checks will confirm that affected subscribers are properly credited,” he said, noting sanctions for non-compliance may follow.
Maida said the initiative formed part of broader reforms aimed at improving accountability and service standards within the telecommunications sector.
“Operators failing to meet obligations will face stricter enforcement measures,” he warned, signalling tougher regulatory action ahead.
He stressed that improving service quality required both sustained infrastructure investment and stronger operational discipline by network providers.
“Service providers must maintain performance standards consistently across all regions, including underserved and rural areas,” he said.
Maida reiterated the NCC’s commitment to balancing consumer protection with industry sustainability and long-term sector growth.
“Operators must take responsibility for the quality of experience delivered to subscribers,” he said, urging greater corporate accountability.
He added that the commission remained committed to ensuring Nigerians received value for money spent on telecom services nationwide.
“Persistent poor service quality is no longer acceptable under current regulatory direction,” he said, emphasising zero tolerance for continued lapses.
A Nation Under Siege:The Urgent Task of Securing Nigeria
AltBank Targets Autism Diagnosis Crisis with Nationwide Awareness Drive
Video: Isoko people protest over lack of power vow to block political campaigns
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