- As Kidnapping, Dare-Devil Crimes Intensify
BY AWELE OGBOGU
The more calls that are made for the Federal Government to tackle rising insecurity in the country, the more the security situation is getting out of hand, yet the calls are getting louder, not relenting, begging for answers to the myriad security questions that cost lives and property almost on a daily basis.
One of the voices has been Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori who made the call based on his vantage position as a leader who has made “Peace and Security” a cardinal focus of his administration’s MORE AGENDA.
All over the world, the security of lives and property remains the primary purpose of government because where there is no law, anarchy will be the order of the day and even when there is law, failure to enforce it leads to chaos and anarchy.
While the Governor has predicated his calls on the above, an analysis on his peace and security agenda pointed out that it is with the above in mind that the Delta State government ably led by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is ensuring that the lives and property of Deltans are secured and protected from any incursion or attacks from non-state actors and criminals, including a recent kidnapping incident in Asaba that caused sleepless nights for many, considering the pedigree of the victim, Hon. Joan Onyemaechi, former DTHA and House of Reps member and immediate past commissioner for Technical Education.
Governor Oborevwori has declared that there will be more support for the police in the state in terms of modern, world-class policing and intelligence systems to curb all manner of security threats. So it is now clear that states need the support of the Federal Government, hence calls such asthat of Governor Oborevwori isimperative and deserving of federal attention.”
Among the myriad calls, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the current military leadership for what it described as a complete failure to implement a winning strategy in the fight against terrorism and banditry. The group expressed outrage over the recent developments where terrorists have not only continued to terrorize local communities but have also managed to capture military hardware, further exposing the weaknesses in Nigeria’s security apparatus.
HURIWA took exception with President Tinubu’s decision to send a delegation led by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello MuhammedMatawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to Sokoto as part of efforts to address banditry and terrorism in the North West. The organization dismissed this move as mere political posturing that fails to address the root causes of insecurity or provide a concrete strategy for victory. In a press statement, HURIWA questioned the effectiveness of dispatching high-profile government officials to Sokoto without a clear, actionable plan. “Sending a Minister or the CDS to Sokoto is not a strategy; it is a political stunt. Are these officials going to lead troops into battle? Are they going to dismantle terrorist networks themselves? This is not what Nigerians expect from their leaders. Nigerians want a real, winning strategy—something the current administration and military chiefs have failed to deliver”, said Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator. HURIWA did not mince words in calling out what it sees as the underlying reasons for the persistent failure in the fight against terrorism: incompetence at the highest levels of the military and the politicization of key appointments. The organization lamented that the President, possibly due to ethnic considerations or political patronage, has refused to appoint the most competent Generals to lead the nation’s armed forces.
“There is no excuse for the President to continue appointing incompetent military leaders when there are qualified generals across various ethnic groups who can lead this country out of the security quagmire. The continued reliance on generals who lack the strategic acumen to defeat these terrorists is not only frustrating but dangerous for the country,” HURIWA stated. The group pointed to the recent events in Zamfara State, where terrorists led by Bello Turji were seen celebrating the capture of an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) belonging to the Nigerian Army. According to reports, the military vehicle got stuck in a marshy area, forcing troops to abandon it temporarily. However, the situation was exploited by terrorists who then boasted about their capture of the vehicle, further demoralizing both the military and the general populace.
“How can a country continue to fight terrorism for over a decade without any sign of victory? Some top Generals in the military are using the counter-terrorism war as a multi-billion naira franchise for themselves. There is no other explanation for the continuous failures we are witnessing. The President must put aside political considerations and appoint leaders based on merit if he truly wants to see an end to this crisis,” HURIWA declared. HURIWA also expressed deep concern over the failure of Nigeria’s intelligence community to monitor and intercept terrorist communications effectively. The organization noted that despite the significant resources allocated to intelligence and security agencies, they have been unable to detect and disrupt terrorist networks operating within the country.
A recent report by SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence, also highlighted the grim reality that over 1,056 Nigerians were killed in kidnap-related incidents between July 2023 and June 2024, while kidnappers demanded an astounding N10.9 billion in ransom during the same period. The organization criticized the government’s lack of a comprehensive strategy to combat these crimes, which have become increasingly brazen and widespread.
“It is beyond comprehension that terrorists can communicate openly and plan their attacks without being intercepted by our intelligence agencies. The same terrorists are now taunting the Nigerian government on social media, yet the security forces seem powerless to stop them. What is the use of linking National Identification Numbers (NIN) to mobile networks if the intelligence community cannot use this data to track and neutralize these threats?”
In light of these failures, there has been calls for a complete overhaul of the military leadership and a new, merit-based approach to appointments within the armed forces. The organization stressed that the only way to defeat the terrorists and restore peace to Nigeria is through competent leadership that is not compromised by political or ethnic considerations.
“Nigeria needs a winning strategy, and this can only be achieved by appointing, particularly a Chief of Army Staff who has the vision, the experience, and the tactical knowledge to defeat these terrorists. If the President insists on appointing a Yoruba man to this position, there are many competent Yoruba generals to choose from. But the current crop of leaders has proven time and again that they are not up to the task.” Sources also demanded immediate action from the President to ensure that the lives and properties of Nigerians are protected. The group emphasized that the government’s top priority should be the security and well-being of its citizens, and this can only be achieved through decisive leadership and a clear, coherent strategy.
A security analyst in Asaba, Mr. Dan Ofifio called for accountability at all levels of government and the military. He warned that unless there is a radical change in the way the security challenges are being handled, Nigeria risks descending further into chaos. “The time for political shenanigans is over. Nigerians deserve better. They deserve a government that will take their security seriously and a military that is capable ensuring security at last.”
The Senior Superintendent of Motailatu Church of God, Gabriel Akinadewo, also expressed concern over the spate of insecurity in some parts of the country which has led to the loss of lives. Apart from insecurity, the cleric also called on President Bola Tinubu to resolve the issue of inflation, lamenting that Nigerians are suffering.
Akinadewo, who is also the Chairman, Board of Trustees, of the church’s MoitaliatuOrganisation Worldwide, spoke during the 60th anniversary of the church and advised the Federal Government to do the right thing to stem insecurity in the country.He expressed worry over the way church leaders and prominent citizens of the country are being kidnapped and killed despite the payment of ransom to the kidnappers. He said “a pastor was killed in last week while going on a mission with some people. This man was kidnapped and after collecting ransom, the pastor was killed. This doesn’t make sense in a country like Nigeria. “A few days ago we sent our soldiers to Sierra Leone to maintain peace.Why can’t we do the same in Nigeria?
“In anything you want to do, intelligence gathering is the key. It is not about going about with riffles. Once we have effective intelligence gathering, these bandits, I don’t think they are more than 20,000 or 30,000 people.“They are the ones terrorising Nigerians. We have prayed and prayed but the government should do what is right. No group of people can overpower the government. As long as you are within the 774 local governments in Nigeria, as long as you are within the 36 states of the federation including FCT, the president of the country can get you anywhere you are. “Anywhere you are they will smoke you out when they are ready. How come that terrorists are all over the place? They kidnapped another Catholic priest in Kaduna last week but he was rescued after paying ransom. This doesn’t make sense at all. The government must be serious. If they want to get all these terrorists in one month or two, they will get them.” He said the security threats are seriously impacting the inflation and the rise in prices of goods and services, soAkinadewo advised the government to re-introduce fuel subsidy. He also advised the president to enlarge his economic team to accommodate those in the private sector who understand the economy.
“There is nowhere in the world that there is no subsidy. Even in the United States of America, there is an agreed-upon subsidy. We need to rethink”.Akinadewo stated.
48 Nigerian CSOs also askedTinubu to declare a state of emergency on security. The organisations said between May 2023 when President Tinubu assumed office and January 2024, at least 2,423 people have been killed in mass atrocities-related incidents and about 1,872 persons have been abducted. Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa, also called Rafsanjani, who spoke on behalf of organisations, said they are deeply concerned about the rising insecurity across the country and urged the government take urgent steps towards ending it. “Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria under the auspices of the Civil Society Joint Action Group, Community of Practice Against Mass Atrocities, and, Nigeria Mourns, are deeply concerned by the deteriorating state of security across Nigeria and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and therefore call on the Nigerian government to take actionable steps to end the endemic insecurity, mitigate further attacks by kidnap syndicates and terrorist groups, and, account for persons missing in these attacks”, he said.
Musa said over the past decade and a half, insecurity in Nigeria spiralled due to a variety of violent phenomena, including but not limited to terrorist activities in the entire northern region of the country, terror pillages otherwise known as banditry in the North-west, farmer-herder violence in the Middle Belt including the Benue Valley, secessionist struggles in the South-east, piracy in the southern coast of the country, inter-communal attacks, political violence, cult-gang violence and kidnapping.
He noted that these forms of insecurity have jeopardised the security and wellbeing of Nigerians, and have progressively deteriorated over the years. He stated that endemic insecurity has persisted over the last three administrations, including that of President MuhammaduBuhari, who as a former military general, had gained public trust to run as president by promising to curb the then fledgling insecurity. According to Musa, during Buhari’s second term between 2019 and 2023, at least 24,316 Nigerians lost their lives while about 15,597 persons were abducted.He said its tracking of the state of insecurity shows that at least 2,423 people have been killed in mass atrocities-related incidents while about 1,872 persons have been abducted between May 2023 when President Tinubu assumed office and 26 January this year.
He said this alarming trend has continued despite President Tinubu’s assurance at the beginning of his presidency in May that he would tackle insecurity. “We are particularly concerned about the upsurge in abductions, noting that at least 230 incidents, in most of which multiple victims were involved, occurred within the first two weeks of January 2024 alone,” Mr Musa said. He further stated that the government has continued to fail in its primary duty of ensuring the security and welfare of all citizens as mandated in Section 14 (2) (b) of the Constitution, and in its obligation to enforce and fulfil the citizens’ rights to life, according to Section 33 of the document.
Consequently, Musa called on President Tinubu to urgently undertake 12 measures to tackle insecurity in the country, among which are to fulfill the constitutional imperative of safeguarding the lives of Nigerians and also declare a state of emergency on kidnapping and other forms of terrorism.
Also speaking, the chairman of Partners for Electoral Reform, EzenwaNwagwu, said the Nigerian government has abandoned its primary purpose spelt out by the constitution, which says “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. He said it is now a collective work and effort that should emanate from every organisation, media and individual in the country to tackle the situation. “The government has abandoned us, they have abandoned their constitutional right, this is not a call of one civil society organisation alone. This has become a collective effort from all others, including the media.
“Let us look forward to a day like this where we will have all others including the security operatives in a single room and discuss the way out of this,” he said.
The Executive Director of Leedar Seed, Lois Auta, said the disabled ones are the most affected by insecurity. “We are the most affected. Just imagine when something happens where others run, someone that cannot walk like me would not be able to run for his or her dear life. Same to a deaf or blind”, she concluded by saying that this is how pitiable the situation is. And to make it worse, the President is not in a hurry to take action.
Over the past decade and a half, insecurity in Nigeria has spiraled due to a variety of violent phenomena, including but not limited to terrorist activities in the entire northern region of the country, terror pillages otherwise known as banditry in the North West, farmer-herder violence in the Middle Belt including the Benue Valley, secessionist struggles in the South East, piracy in the southern coast of the Country, inter-communal attacks, political violence, cult-gang violence and kidnapping. These forms of insecurity have jeopardized the security and wellbeing of Nigerians, and have progressively deteriorated over the years. Endemic insecurity has persisted over the last three administrations. includingthat of President Buhari, who as a former military general, had gained public trust to run as president by promising to curb the then fledgling insecurity. Mass atrocities fatality tracking across the country by Nigeria Mourns reveals that in President Buhari’s second term alone (2019 to 2023). at least 24,816 Nigerians lost their lives, and at least 15,597 persons were abducted. This alarming trend has continued despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance at the beginning of his presidency in May 2023 to tackle insecurity. It has now been 8 months since President Tinubu took his oath of office and yet, things have failed to improve. Our tracking shows at least 2,423 people have been killed in mass atrocities-related incidents and at least 1,872 persons were abducted since the beginning of President Tinubu’s administration till January 26, 2024. We are particularly concerned about the upsurge in abductions, noting that at least 230 incidents, in most of which multiple victims were involved, occurred within the first 2 weeks of January 2024 alone. Several communities across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, the seat of government itself, are under siege, with entire families and in some cases, communities taken hostage. Residents are being forced to flee due to repeated attacks by terrorists, kidnappers and other organized criminal groups. Kidnapping for ransom demands has become a disturbing norm, without appropriate response from the authorities.
For instance, 30 villagers were abducted in an attack on TasharNagule village of Batsari local government area of Katsina State. This came on the heels of the abduction of 23 people in the Kawu community in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory on 11 January. Similarly, 50 people, including 36 women were abducted in an attack on the Magizawa community in KauraNamoda Local Government Area of Zamfara state. Over 400 people were killed in repeated attacks on communities in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau state including the gruesome massacre of over 200 people in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladicommunities in Mangu Local Government on the eve of Christmas in 2023.
Road ambushes have made inter-state travel more perilous. Reported incidents such as the abduction of 30 passengers near Katari along the Kaduna-Abuja highway and the kidnapping of 45 passengers in Orokam on the Benue-Enugu route underscore the gravity of the situation. Even homes are no longer safe. Homes in rural communities in Northern Nigeria have for over a decade contended with terror pillages; and more recently, urban centres including the Federal Capital Territory have witnessed a surge in invasions in which citizens are being abducted for ransom even within the confines of their homes.
Obtaining an education has become a risky venture for learners, and teachers. and parents due to school abductions. Businesses are also suffering from the effects of this state of affairs. Farming communities are losing their resilience against perennial pillages, and traders can no longer ply roads safely. “We are concerned that the current administration has continued the legacy of failing to decisively deal with the atrocious onslaughts against citizens within the nation’s borders and that Nigerians who are being further impoverished by the escalating insecurity, now perpetually live in fear of being attacked, abducted or killed. The government has continued to fail in its primary duty of ensuring the security and welfare of all citizens as mandated in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, and in its obligation to enforce and fulfill its citizens’ right to life, according to Section 33 of the Constitution.We hereby call upon President Bola Tinubu as the lead agent of the government to urgently fulfill its constitutional imperative of safeguarding the lives of all citizens”. But will the President listen this time around?
