PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The crisis between the people of Rivers State and the Federal Government in Abuja appears to be escalating, as a private security firm announced its withdrawal from key security operations in the region.
Royal Fouche Services Limited, a security company operating in Rivers State, declared that it will cease providing security along the Kalahari/Emuoha Road effective 12 noon on Friday, March 14, 2025.
The decision was conveyed through a press statement released on Thursday and signed by B.E. Daniel, citing security threats against its personnel.
Security Threat Forces Withdrawal
According to the statement, the company received credible intelligence indicating a planned attack targeting its officers and the local community.
The alleged plot, according to the firm, aims to undermine the security company’s credibility and destabilise the area further.
As a result, Royal Fouche Services Limited has decided to pull all personnel from the community until further notice.
The statement referenced a secret audio recording that purportedly discussed the impending attack, though no further details were provided.
The move raises fresh concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Rivers State, particularly along major roads where criminal activities, including kidnappings and attacks, have been a long-standing challenge.
Political Tensions Escalate
The crisis has been fuelled by an ongoing political standoff, with tensions rising between pro-Wike and anti-Wike factions in Rivers State.
The political impasse took a new turn after Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike made provocative remarks at a media parley in Abuja, challenging the Ijaw communities in the Niger Delta.
Wike, responding to threats from Ijaw leaders regarding perceived attempts to impeach certain lawmakers aligned with President Bola Tinubu and himself, described the Ijaw groups as “toothless bulldogs.”
His comments have sparked outrage among Ijaw leaders and further inflamed tensions in a region already dealing with complex security and governance challenges.
Implications of the Security Firm’s Exit
With Royal Fouche Services Limited withdrawing from its operations in Kalahari and Emuoha, the security vacuum is expected to heighten fears among residents and commuters who rely on private security firms for protection in the face of increasing criminal activity.
Observers say this latest development signals a deepening crisis in Rivers State, where political instability and security concerns continue to dominate discourse.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Federal Government will intervene or if local security arrangements will be strengthened to fill the emerging void.
