By Kelvin Obambon
The South-South Zonal Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has raised the alarm over the country’s deteriorating security situation, warning that violent crime is rapidly spreading into areas previously considered safe.
The journalists raised the concern in a communiqué issued at the end of their zonal meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State capital, on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The high-level meeting, presided over by the NUJ South-South (Zone F) Vice President, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, deliberated on pressing institutional, regional, and national issues.
The union expressed deep worry over national security, urging South-South governors to decisively fortify their security frameworks to combat emerging threats. Among their core recommendations was a strong call for intensified community policing, thorough profiling of individuals entering local communities, and deeper synergy between citizens and security agencies.
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The council also issued a specific warning regarding a new tactic used by criminal elements in the region.
“There is a critical need for extreme vigilance regarding vehicles being escorted by men in military uniforms, especially given the alarming proliferation of military gear and uniforms in the hands of non-state actors,” the communiqué stated.
The Union also cautioned regional politicians against neglecting their primary duties as the 2027 general elections approach, advising governments “not to sacrifice governance on the altar of political campaigns and reelection pursuits.”
While the NUJ praised the Federal Government for completing the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Highway, it pressed for the immediate completion of the critical Calabar–Itu Highway to end the daily hardships and fatal accidents faced by commuters.
Turning its attention to the regional environment, the Union demanded that the Federal Government accelerate its cleanup operations in oil-producing Niger Delta communities. They called for comprehensive environmental impact assessments to properly gauge and rectify the long-term devastation caused by decades of oil exploration.
Conversely, the leadership lauded the Cross River State Government for its visible developmental strides over the past three years.
On internal matters, the zone announced a sweeping review of its leadership honours. The council resolved to review the status of all Grand Patrons and Patrons within the zone, with the intent to “withdraw such honours from individuals who have failed to meet the expectations associated with the positions.”
The meeting concluded with a call from the leadership for journalists across the Niger Delta to strictly adhere to professional ethics and report with the highest sense of responsibility as political activities pick up ahead of the 2027 general elections.
