Despite the Federal Government’s assurances, over 300 individuals, including children, remain in captivity in Kaduna, adding to the ongoing wave of insecurity in Nigeria.
Recent kidnappings, including 61 more victims abducted last week, highlight the Government’s struggle to contain the crisis. High-level security meetings have been convened in response, with discussions focusing on rescue strategies for those kidnapped across several States, including Borno, Kaduna, and Sokoto.
Critics condemn the Government’s response, likening it to a neglectful mother hen in the face of predatory attacks. The Financial Times of London, just a few days ago, defined the kidnapping racket going on in Nigeria as the symptom of a failing state.
Recall also, that a report by research firm, SBM, in July 2023, said kidnapping for ransom has eclipsed other motivation for abduction, especially political reasons. Similarly, a recent SBM report revealed that 7,000 people have been kidnapped throughout Nigeria since President Tinubu took office in May last year.
Some security experts say the President is yet to show the political will to tackle insecurity in the country, noting that there is no difference from the situation now and the Buhari’s administration. Tinubu’s pledge to halt ransom payments has drawn skepticism, with many questioning his administration’s ability to effectively address the crisis.
Observers note similarities between current efforts and previous administrations, urging for decisive action to combat the escalating insecurity.
A lawyer and public affairs analyst, Ladipo Johnson, said, “One of the most important responsibilities of the government to its citizens is the protection of lives and property. I think we can all safely agree, devoid of partisanship, that the government is failing in this regard.
“What happened in Kaduna is a sad reminder of the unfortunate Chibok debacle”, he added.
Calls for international assistance grow louder as domestic security forces struggle to contain the crisis. Concerns of complicity within security agencies and local leadership compound the challenges, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms and inclusive governance to address the root causes of insecurity.
Economic hardships exacerbate the situation, fuelling the profitability of kidnapping operations. As public frustration mounts, demands for innovative solutions, including the establishment of state police forces, gain traction.
Efforts to bolster security personnel through recruitment initiatives aim to address the glaring shortfall in law enforcement capacity. However, experts stress the importance of proactive strategies and competent leadership to effectively combat criminal activities.
A senator from Katsina State, Abdul-Aziz Yar’Adua, disclosed last Friday that the Federal Government was working on recruiting more security personnel to battle the rising crime rate.
Yar’Adua, who is the chairman of the Senate committee, lamented the abysmal number of security agencies in the country, saying that there are plans to correct it.
Also speaking on the way out of the security situation, security expert, Oladele Fajana, said to curb insecurity and crimes, Tinubu’s government must formulate effective and sustainable policies to sustain the fight against insecurity. He stated that many things are going wrong with the fight against crimes in Nigeria.
In the face of evolving threats, a collective approach, informed by community engagement and strategic planning, is deemed essential to safeguarding lives and restoring stability in Nigeria.
