As the festive season inches closer, President Bola Tinubu has been urged to convene an emergency security meeting to tackle insecurity challenges across the country.

A Niger Delta leader, Prince Emmanuel Botu, popularly known as Olotu, made the call in a chat with reporters yesterday.

Botu who described as worrisome the surge in kidnappings and other violent crimes, stressed that President Tinubu must take immediate action.

He said by convening an emergency meeting, the President will demonstrate his commitment to addressing pressing security concerns facing Nigeria and ensure a peaceful and secure festive season for all citizens.

According to him, despite promises by the President to curb insecurity, the numbers continue to rise, devastating families, communities, and the country.

“We call on all security agencies to increase visible patrols in high-risk areas to deter potential kidnappers, enhance intelligence gathering and sharing to identify and apprehend kidnappers, foster stronger relationships with local communities to encourage information sharing and collaboration,” Botu said.

“We also appeal to President Tinubu to consider implementing policies that address the root causes of kidnapping, such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.

“The rising tide of kidnappings in Nigeria demands swift and decisive action. We urge President Tinubu and all security outfits to take immediate steps to prevent kidnappings, protect citizens, and ensure a safe and secure festive season for all.”

The Guardian reported that Nigeria’s security challenges have been exacerbated by economic hardships, including a steep rise in the exchange rate of the US dollar to the naira, and a significant depreciation of the naira.

A report by SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence revealed that at least 1,056 Nigerians were killed in kidnap-related cases while their abductors demanded N10.9 billion between July 2023 and June 2024.