The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the Defence Headquarters’ response to former Niger Delta militant leader Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, labeling it as a glaring display of double standards. HURIWA accused the military of diminishing its credibility by not pursuing legal actions against Dokubo, despite his public threats and boasts of having a private militia.

In a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the military’s reluctance to investigate and arrest Dokubo, especially after his video showing military-grade assault rifles, reeks of favoritism. “It’s appalling to see the Defence Headquarters avoid enforcing the law, hiding behind claims of ‘democracy,’ while ignoring Asari-Dokubo’s threats,” the group stated.

The controversy began after Dokubo’s recent viral video, where he threatened to shoot down a military helicopter that hovered near his residence. In response, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed Dokubo’s threat as laughable, saying, “If he thinks he can take on the military, let him come to the battlefield and see if we won’t neutralize him.”

HURIWA highlighted what it called a “policy of discrimination” by pointing out how the military swiftly acted against other figures, such as Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, while seemingly protecting individuals like Asari-Dokubo, who has claimed connections to the federal government. “When Kanu was at home, the military invaded his residence, yet Asari-Dokubo openly threatens national security, and nothing happens,” HURIWA lamented.

The rights group also reminded the public of Asari-Dokubo’s past claims, where he boasted about running a private army and being a consultant for the federal government. Despite these revelations, HURIWA criticized the government and military for turning a blind eye, accusing them of tolerating lawlessness due to Dokubo’s ties to the current administration.

“Instead of addressing the serious threats posed by Dokubo, the military’s response has been laughable and exposes a shameful tolerance of impunity,” HURIWA concluded.