The Nigerian military has delivered a bold challenge to ex-militant leader Asari Dokubo, calling him out to prove his threats on the battlefield. This comes after Dokubo’s controversial claim that he could easily shoot down a military helicopter near his residence, boasting that he possesses the firepower to stand up to Nigeria’s armed forces.
In a fiery response, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, labeled Dokubo’s assertions as “laughable” and dared him to put his words into action by facing the military directly. “The comment that he can shoot down military helicopters is ridiculous,” Buba said. “We are professionals in a democracy, and we don’t respond to such claims rashly, but rest assured, if he steps onto the battlefield, we will neutralize him.”
Buba made it clear that the Nigerian military’s focus remains on combating terrorism and insurgency across the country, warning Dokubo to rethink his posturing. “If he wants to test our capabilities, let him come to the battlefield. We’ll be ready,” he added, dismissing any real threat from the former militant leader.
The military said their no-nonsense stance against Dokubo is a strong signal that any attempt to challenge state authority will not be tolerated. With over 300 terrorist commanders eliminated in the past year and massive stockpiles of weapons recovered, the military has demonstrated its readiness to crush any perceived threats to national security. Buba reiterated, “We have been degrading their capabilities and will continue to do so.”
This standoff between Asari Dokubo and the Nigerian military has set the stage for a potential high-stakes confrontation.
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Meanwhile, Eshanekpe Israel, also known as Akpodoro, a former militant leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, has issued a stern warning to the federal government and military, urging them to take Asari Dokubo’s recent threats seriously. In a statement that has sent shockwaves through the nation, Akpodoro cautioned that dismissing Dokubo’s aggressive rhetoric could jeopardize national security.
Dokubo recently boasted that he has the power to shoot down military helicopters, sparking concerns about his access to weapons despite his supposed disarmament through the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). Akpodoro expressed alarm, stating, “No individual, including Dokubo, is above the Nigerian state. His threats must not be taken lightly.”
Akpodoro urged the military to remain vigilant, emphasizing the importance of swift and decisive action should Dokubo attempt to make good on his threats. “If he moves against the state, the military has every right to neutralize him. His access to weapons is a ticking time bomb that must be defused before it’s too late,” Akpodoro warned.
The ex-militant leader also drew a comparison to another former militant, Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, praising him for his efforts in promoting peace and stability in the Niger Delta. Akpodoro advised Dokubo to follow Tompolo’s example and adopt a more peaceful stance, emphasizing dialogue over violence.
