Residents of Sapele in Delta State have called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army to step up surveillance across the LGA after spotting suspicious movements by unidentified individuals believed to resemble armed groups.
Their appeal comes amid growing security concerns across the country, especially following fresh attacks, abductions, and rising fear in parts of Kwara State. Similar security threats in other regions have also increased public anxiety and pushed many communities to stay alert.
Some residents who spoke with reporters said they observed unfamiliar men acting suspiciously near the Okirighwre Bridge in Mosogar Town and in parts of Amukpe within Sapele. Witnesses described the individuals as moving in a coordinated manner that alarmed locals.
Many of the residents, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said the sighting immediately raised concerns, noting that criminal groups often relocate from one state to another whenever security pressure intensifies.
“We saw how they were moving, and it didn’t look normal,” one resident said. “With all that is happening in Kwara and other parts of the country, we can’t ignore anything. We just want the authorities to look into it.”
Another witness said the men carried themselves like organized groups responsible for unrest elsewhere. Although there was no confrontation, their appearance and coordinated movement were unsettling enough to make residents raise an alarm.
The concerns expressed by Sapele residents reflect a broader national demand for stronger security measures as the country faces increasing threats—from kidnappings to banditry and inter-community conflicts. Recent attacks in Kwara have further heightened fears, with experts warning that criminal groups often shift base across state lines to avoid detection.
Locals said what they witnessed should prompt security agencies to intensify patrols, improve intelligence gathering, and closely monitor unfamiliar movements, especially in sensitive areas such as bridges, major junctions, and border communities.
“We are asking the police, the army, and the DSS to take this seriously,” another resident pleaded. “This is a delicate period, and any suspicious movement should be checked immediately. Prevention is always better than response.”
They also called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, traditional rulers, and local vigilante groups to improve surveillance and ensure swift reporting of unusual activities. Residents warned that allowing unknown individuals to move around unchecked could expose the area to unnecessary danger.
As insecurity continues to escalate nationwide, the people of Sapele say they are hopeful that prompt action and proactive policing will help protect their community and prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the area.
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