Delta Resident Laments: "Security Operatives Harass Youths in Cities While Fulani Herdsmen and Kidnappers Roam Freely"

 A growing wave of frustration has emerged among residents of Delta State as concerns mount over alleged selective security enforcement by law enforcement agencies in the region.

A widely shared statement by a local youth advocate, who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, accuses security operatives of focusing their efforts on profiling and harassing successful youths in major towns, while armed Fulani herdsmen and kidnappers are allegedly left unchecked in rural communities.

"I keep saying it  the security operatives in Delta State are in major towns and cities tormenting successful youths, while Fulani herdsmen and kidnappers operate freely like they’ve been given a license to cause harm," the resident said in a voice note circulated on social media.

Many young people in cities like Warri, Asaba, and Ughelli report being routinely stopped, searched, and interrogated by police and military personnel based on their appearance, clothing, or the cars they drive  a pattern reminiscent of the now-banned SARS profiling tactics.

“We can’t even drive home after a day’s hustle without being harassed like criminals. But those carrying rifles in the bush? No one touches them,” said a university graduate who works in tech.

Meanwhile, communities in areas such as Otokutu, Uwheru, and Abraka have repeatedly reported violent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen, including farm destruction, kidnappings for ransom, and rape. Victims and local vigilantes claim that they rarely see any official security response  and when they do, it's often after the damage is done.

Civil society groups and community leaders are now demanding that the Delta State Government and the Nigerian Police Force urgently re-evaluate deployment strategies to address the growing sense of insecurity in the rural heartlands.

“Security must not be selective. You can’t over-police peace and under-police violence,” said Comrade Ijeoma Umeh of the Delta Civic Watch.

As of press time, the Delta State Police Command had not issued an official statement addressing the viral claims. However, public pressure continues to mount, with several youth groups threatening to stage peaceful protests if the situation does not improve.

This controversy highlights the broader national issue of urban profiling vs. rural neglect, as Nigeria continues to grapple with complex layers of insecurity, from cybercrime crackdowns in cities to terrorism, kidnapping, and communal clashes in its hinterlands.