The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding urgent and measurable action to tackle the escalating kidnapping crisis across Nigeria. In an open letter addressed to the President and signed by the party’s National Chairman, Barr. Samuel M. Memeh, and National Secretary, Grace Obekpa, the DLA expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, describing it as one of the most serious challenges facing the nation.
The party said Nigerians are increasingly living in fear as kidnappers continue to target citizens on highways, in homes, schools, farms, places of worship, and communities across the country. According to the DLA, the growing menace has severely affected economic activities, agricultural production, investment, education, and the overall well-being of citizens.
“Today, many Nigerians can no longer travel freely. Farmers are increasingly unable to access their farmlands. Rural communities are under constant threat. Businesses are suffering, economic activities are declining, and countless families are living in fear and uncertainty,” the letter stated.
The opposition party acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government to address insecurity, including plans to recruit additional forest guards, but argued that such measures alone would not adequately confront the scale of the crisis. The DLA called for a comprehensive national security strategy that combines intelligence gathering, technological surveillance, stronger border controls, anti-corruption measures, community engagement, institutional accountability, and enhanced support for security agencies.
“The increasing boldness of kidnappers and criminal gangs has created the impression that criminal elements are gaining confidence while ordinary citizens are losing faith in the ability of government to protect them,” the party said.
The party also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies, noting that many personnel have made significant sacrifices in the fight against insecurity and deserve improved welfare, modern equipment, and stronger intelligence support.
Declaring that the issue transcends politics, the DLA urged the President to demonstrate decisive leadership in addressing the challenge. “This is not the time for politics. This is the time for governance. Nigerians are looking for reassurance, leadership, and results,” the letter stated.
The party further called on the Federal Government to immediately activate a coordinated national action plan against kidnapping and related crimes. It warned that if there is no “significant demonstration of commitment” within 14 days, it would consider lawful democratic actions, public advocacy campaigns, strategic engagements with national and international stakeholders, and other constitutional measures aimed at drawing attention to the worsening insecurity situation.
“History will judge every generation of leaders by how they responded to the challenges of their time. We urge you to rise to this moment and take bold actions that will restore hope, confidence, and security to our nation,” the DLA said.
The party concluded by stressing that “Nigeria is worth saving, the lives of Nigerians are worth protecting, and the future of our country is worth fighting for.”
