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The Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) has issued a 14-day notice to the Federal Government to unveil and begin implementing concrete measures to tackle the escalating wave of kidnappings across the country, warning that the security crisis has left millions of Nigerians living in fear and uncertainty.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Judith Aguenu, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of DLA, the opposition political party expressed deep concern over what it described as the government’s inability to effectively confront the growing menace of abductions, which it said now threatens national stability, economic productivity, and community survival.

The party declared that “kidnappers are winning while Nigerians are living in fear,” stressing that the current security situation has become intolerable for citizens across the country.

According to the statement, “The National Leadership of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) expresses its grave concern over the alarming rise in kidnapping and abduction incidents across Nigeria and the apparent inability of the Federal Government to effectively address this growing national tragedy.”

DLA argued that the Federal Government’s recent decision to recruit 1,000 forest guards as part of efforts to curb insecurity does not sufficiently address the scale of the crisis.

“The recent decision of the Federal Government to recruit 1,000 forest guards as part of its response to insecurity has done little to reassure Nigerians that the administration fully understands the magnitude of the kidnapping crisis currently threatening lives, livelihoods, and national stability,” the party stated.

Highlighting the widespread impact of the menace, the DLA noted that abductions have become a daily occurrence in many parts of the country, affecting citizens in virtually every sphere of life.

“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 fear of kidnapping has become a major obstacle to freedom of movement, economic activities, agricultural production, and social development.”

The party disclosed that many of its members, particularly those residing in rural communities, have directly experienced the consequences of the worsening security situation.

“Members of our Party across the country, particularly those in rural communities, have become direct victims of this unfortunate reality. Farmers are abandoning their farms, businesses are relocating, families are living under constant fear, and communities are increasingly vulnerable to criminal elements.”

DLA warned that kidnapping has transcended ordinary criminal activity and now poses a significant threat to national development.

“The Democratic Leadership Alliance believes that kidnapping has evolved beyond a mere security challenge and now constitutes a serious threat to national development and the survival of many communities,” the statement said.

It added that “the growing boldness of kidnappers and criminal gangs raises legitimate concerns about the effectiveness of current government strategies.”
The party further argued that security deployments alone cannot solve the problem, calling for a comprehensive strategy that addresses the root causes of criminality.

“We maintain that the solution to kidnapping cannot be limited to security deployments alone. Government must address the economic conditions that fuel criminality, strengthen intelligence gathering, tackle corruption within public institutions, improve security coordination, deploy modern surveillance technology, and ensure swift prosecution of criminal offenders and their sponsors,” it stated.

The DLA said the combined effects of kidnapping, poverty, and economic hardship have increased public frustration and skepticism about the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

“The continued suffering of Nigerians under the weight of kidnapping, poverty, and economic hardship demands urgent and decisive action. The current situation leaves many citizens wondering whether enough is being done to secure lives and property,” the party noted.

While reiterating its commitment to national development, the DLA offered to support efforts aimed at addressing the security challenge.

“As a responsible political party committed to nation-building, the Democratic Leadership Alliance remains willing to provide constructive policy recommendations and technical support in the national interest,” the statement read.

The party specifically called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to treat the situation as a national emergency.

“We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare the kidnapping epidemic a national emergency and immediately activate stronger policies and coordinated actions capable of reversing the current trend,” it said.

Issuing what it termed a 14-day notice, the DLA demanded immediate and measurable action from the Federal Government.

“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.”

The party warned that failure to record meaningful progress within the stipulated period could trigger further democratic actions.

“Failure to demonstrate meaningful progress within this period will compel the Party to pursue lawful democratic measures, including public advocacy, strategic engagement with national and international stakeholders, and legal actions where necessary to draw attention to the plight of Nigerians and the urgent need for government intervention.”

Concluding the statement, the DLA maintained that the protection of citizens remains the foremost responsibility of government and urged urgent action to reverse the trend.

“Nigeria cannot continue on this dangerous path. The protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, and Nigerians deserve to live without fear of abduction, ransom demands, or violent criminal attacks.”

The party added that it “stands firmly with victims of kidnapping and their families and remains committed to advancing practical solutions for a safer and more secure Nigeria.”