The Rivers State Police have declared former Niger Delta militant leader, Gabriel ‘General’ Asabuja, wanted. Rivers State Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu made the announcement on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Asabuja became the subject of police scrutiny following a viral video in which he made incendiary remarks amidst the ongoing local government council crisis in Rivers State. The video, which sparked widespread concern, depicted Asabuja issuing threats and contributing to the growing tension in the region.
“That video caused a lot of panic in the state. It gives a lot of concern to everybody even out of the state. I want to assure you that we are not going to take kindly to that. We have put actions in motion. We would get him at the appropriate time. We have gotten a lot of people of his kind,” said Disu.
Disu further emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “You cannot prepare a video and start firing and threatening people not to move around and do what they are expected to do in town and expect the police will fold their hands. We are working towards it. We have invited him and he does not want to come but we will do what we want to do. We are looking out for him.”
Reiterating the police’s stance, Disu confirmed, “He is wanted. That is correct.”
The declaration comes amid escalating tensions in Rivers State, which have persisted since a fallout between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, late last year. The latest conflict involves disputes over the leadership of local government councils. With the expiration of the tenure for chairpersons, deputies, and councilors earlier this month, Governor Fubara’s appointment of a caretaker committee has met with resistance from Wike’s loyalists, leading to protests and heightened instability.
In response to the turmoil, police authorities have issued stern warnings against any acts of violence, affirming their readiness to take action against those instigating trouble in the state.
