Kidnapping

By Haroon Aremu Abiodun

“Any country where lawmaking is more lucrative than law enforcement, there must be insecurity.”

That was the piercing submission of veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo in a podcast interview. This quote still lingers in my mind like a haunting prophecy. Sadly, Nigeria appears to be a textbook example of that paradox.

This raises a chilling question: can we ever be safe in a nation where those crafting the laws live like kings, while those enforcing them die like pawns?

The roads tremble with fear, and villages sleep with one eye open. From Abuja to Zamfara, from the creeks of the Delta to Anambra, to the rocky hills of Birnin Gwari, the word “insecurity” has become a national refrain. 

In whispered conversations and on trending hashtags, Nigerians continue to ask: Can banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism ever truly end in Nigeria?

While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to pledge security reforms, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu issues strategic statements, the reality on the ground often contradicts this. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, may be leading an army of patriots. Still, their valour is constantly undermined by systemic inequality, in which the pen is paid more than the gun.

I Witnessed the Truth

In early June, I attended a deeply insightful citizenship engagement forum hosted by Voice of Nigeria (VON). Dignitaries, including the Minister of Information, NSA Ribadu, the Chief of Defence Staff, and other notable figures,were present. But one story shared by the Chief of Defence Staff froze the air.

He recalled a young bandit who surrendered. The military, adopting a “soft approach,” chose not to brutalise him but instead treated him humanely. He was given food, a warm bath, and, for the first time in his life, a mattress.

This wasn’t just about physical comfort. It was symbolic. The boy, barely old enough to vote, said he had never lain on a mattress before. That was his first taste of civilisation, and it came not from a school or community, but from an army barracks. The boy had joined a group of killers not out of hatred, but out of hopelessness.

The Root of the Rot: 3Es

With what the Chief of Defence Staff said, I was able to conclude that part of the root of Nigeria’s security crisis lies in the absence of the “3Es”: Education, Exposure, and Enlightenment. These are not luxuries; they are necessities. And in the North, where banditry has gained a more frightening foothold, their absence is glaring.

It is time for Northern governors to rise beyond rhetoric. The federal government cannot win this war alone. State leaders must begin by reforming their education systems, investing in enlightenment campaigns, and introducing programs that truly expose their youth to life beyond the confines of their communities. Kano State has led the way in propagating and championing this initiative among the northern states, but efforts should be intensified.

Can we save Nigeria? Yes, but not with a centralised, top-down approach. What we need is collaborative security. Community policing must be revived with village chiefs and family heads forming the first line of surveillance.

Security consciousness must be made more crucial and integrated into school curricula and public messaging. Employment generation must become more than a campaign slogan. A graduate left idle is one WhatsApp message away from recruitment into darkness.

“If community policing is fully implemented, it will become far easier to identify and expose those secretly sponsoring or benefiting from terrorism right from the grassroots. Local vigilance, trust networks, and community-driven intelligence can expose hidden collaborators who often conceal their activities behind political or economic influence. Such a system not only strengthens national security but also empowers citizens to take active ownership of their safety and future.”

This is to say, the fight against terror will not be won by guns alone, but by communities standing as the first line of defence

The Role of Institutions

The Ministry of Education and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) must now take centre stage. It is no longer enough to teach arithmetic and grammar; we must now teach security literacy. The young must understand the real consequences of crime. They must be exposed to alternatives.

This encompasses school tours, street theatre, online campaigns, community mentorship, and genuine partnerships between public and private stakeholders.

There is hope. There are patriots in uniform. There are children yet untouched by corruption. There are teachers still driven by conscience. However, all their efforts will be for nothing if lawmakers continue to earn more than those who risk their lives.

The EFCC may chase funds across Iceland and Dubai. The DSS may foil plots in Lagos and Maiduguri. However, until we address the imbalance and make justice more rewarding than crime, we will remain trapped in this cycle.

Let us not wait until another child lies on a mattress in a military cell to realise what he has never had.

Let that mattress be our wake-up call.

So, to President Tinubu, to the NSA Ribadu, to the Defence Chief, and to every governor who still believes in this country: The war will not be won on the battlefield alone; it will be won in the classroom, in the family compound, in the village square, and in the heart of every Nigerian.

Before we talk about weapons, let’s talk about mattresses.

Haroon Aremu Abiodun, An Author, public Affairs Analyst, PRNigeria fellow and wrote in via exponentumera@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Abubakar

At least 1,111 Nigerians were killed and 276 abducted by gunmen and other non-state actors across the country in June 2025, according to a new report by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited.

The chilling figures are contained in the company’s monthly security dossier, which tracks violence and criminal activity nationwide. Despite the high numbers, the report notes that June witnessed a “notable de-escalation” in security breaches compared to May, suggesting a slight dip in the frequency or intensity of attacks.

While the report did not provide a full regional breakdown, sources familiar with the data say many of the killings occurred in the North West and North Central zones, where banditry and communal violence remain rampant. Parts of the South East also continue to grapple with targeted killings and kidnappings by separatist-linked armed groups.

The 276 abductions show the persistent threat of kidnapping-for-ransom, which has plagued Nigeria for years, affecting schoolchildren, commuters, and rural dwellers alike.

Security analysts say the figures, though slightly improved from previous months, still reflect a deepening crisis. They have called for more coordinated action by federal and state authorities to strengthen local intelligence, improve response times, and hold perpetrators accountable.

The government has yet to respond to the latest statistics, but critics argue that repeated assurances of improved security have not translated into meaningful safety for the average Nigerian.

By Uzair Adam

A 65-year-old woman, Talatu Ali, has been abducted from the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Dawanau in Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State.

The Daily Reality gathered that the incident happened while she was waiting for a medical consultation at the facility.

Talatu was brought to the hospital on February 19, 2025, by her son, Nasiru Aliyu, and her cousin, Aliyu Garba.

However, while on the queue for consultation, they suddenly realized she was no longer there.

Efforts to locate her within the hospital premises were unsuccessful, leading the family to report the matter at the Dawanau Divisional Police Headquarters.

Two days later, on February 21, at around 7:00 a.m., Aliyu received a phone call from an unknown number informing him that the woman was in their custody.

The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the incident.

Although Kano has remained relatively peaceful compared to other states in the North West, cases of abductions continue to be recorded in various parts of the country despite ongoing efforts to curb the menace.

By Uzair Adam 

The Lagos State Police Command has exposed a new kidnapping tactic referred to as “Constructive Kidnapping,” where unsuspecting women are deceived by individuals posing as online friends or lovers.  

The Daily Reality gathered that this disturbing trend has led to the rescue of 16 women across the state. 

Additionally, the command intervened in a separate incident involving a 15-year-old girl who allegedly conspired with her boyfriend to fake her own abduction to extort ransom from her parents.  

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olawale Ishola, provided insights into these cases during a briefing on the command’s operations between September 2024 and January 2025. 

He highlighted the cunning nature of the perpetrators, who establish trust online before luring their victims to Lagos with offers of money and luxury accommodations.  

The command reiterated its commitment to combating such crimes and advised the public to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online.

By Anwar Usman

The Katsina State Police Command has announced the successful disruption of a kidnapping attempt and rescue of 10 victims.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.

According to the statement: “On 24 December 2024, at about 20:30 hrs, some suspected armed bandits, wielding dangerous weapons and shooting sporadically, attacked a commercial vehicle at Kwanar Makera along the Katsina–Magama Jibia road in Jibia Local Government Area, Katsina State, in an attempt to kidnap ten (10) occupants of the vehicle.

“Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jibia swiftly led a team of operatives to the scene. The team engaged the bandits in a gun duel, successfully thwarted the kidnapping attempt, and rescued all ten ten victims.

“Four among the rescued victims sustained gunshot injuries as a result of the attack and were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Sadly, two of the victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment.

“Efforts are still ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects as the investigation continues.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, psc(+), applaud the officers for their exceptional display of gallantry and dedication to duty. Furthermore, the Commissioner urged the members of the public to provide useful information on suspected criminal activities to the nearest police station for prompt and decisive action.”

By Uzair Adam 

The Benue State Police Command has arrested Dr Ichor Tersagh, a lecturer at the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi (JOSTUM), for allegedly orchestrating the abduction of Mrs Susan Anyagh, the wife of his colleague, Mr Paul Anyagh, who is the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), JOSTUM chapter.  

Mrs Anyagh was reportedly ambushed and kidnapped along Otukpo Road, Makurdi, last Saturday. 

According to reports, the kidnappers stole N1.3 million from her car, physically assaulted her, and left her unconscious on a bush path.  

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Benue, Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday. 

She revealed that the victim was later found along Yandev-Ugbema Road and taken to the Primary Healthcare Clinic, Ameladu, for medical treatment.  

Upon regaining consciousness, Mrs Anyagh narrated how she saw Dr Tersagh at the scene of her abduction and pleaded for help, but he allegedly turned away. 

She further claimed that the kidnappers received a phone call from Dr Tersagh instructing them to kill her, causing her extreme distress.  

“She stated that while driving from the NNPC mega fuel station in Kanshio, where she went to collect money from a customer, she stopped to assist some people who flagged her down. 

“However, they jumped into her car at gunpoint, ordering her to drive towards the Wurukum area. Outside the car, she spotted Dr. Ichor Tersagh standing nearby. When she sought his help, he turned his back and walked away,” Anene said in her statement.  

The statement added, “The abductors later parked the car, took N1.35 million from her, and attacked her with a vehicle jack, leaving her unconscious.”  

Dr. Tersagh has been arrested in connection with the case, and investigations are ongoing.  

Meanwhile, Mr. Paul Anyagh confirmed the incident, stating he was at the police headquarters to follow up on the case and would provide additional details later.

By Uzair Adam

Katsina State police operatives successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt by bandits on Sunday evening, rescuing 14 individuals and neutralizing one attacker.

The incident occurred at approximately 7:55 PM in Dan’arau village, located in the Magama-Jibia area of Jibia Local Government Area.

Armed bandits, wielding dangerous weapons, ambushed two commercial vehicles, aiming to kidnap the passengers.

Responding swiftly to a distress call, police officers engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle.

The timely intervention led to the rescue of 14 hostages, while one of the assailants was fatally wounded.

Unfortunately, two victims sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation.

They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, but one succumbed to their injuries.

The state police command has commended the bravery of its officers and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

By Zainab Abubakar Abba

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been grappling with insecurity for decades. The country’s protracted conflicts, terrorist attacks, and banditry have led to widespread displacement, forcing millions to flee their homes in search of safety.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has ravaged the northeastern region, particularly the Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states. The terrorist group’s relentless attacks on civilians, schools, and religious institutions have resulted in unprecedented displacement. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 2.5 million people have been internally displaced in Nigeria, with the majority being women and children.

In addition to Boko Haram, banditry and kidnappings have become rampant in various parts of the country. The northwestern states of Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have borne the brunt of these attacks, with thousands forced to flee their homes. The Nigerian government’s inability to curb these security threats has exacerbated the displacement crisis.

The consequences of displacement are far-reaching. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) face immense challenges, including loss of livelihoods, inadequate shelter, food insecurity, psychological trauma, and lack of access to education. Many IDPs have abandoned their farms, businesses, and livelihoods, leading to economic instability. Overcrowded and unsanitary IDP camps have become breeding grounds for diseases.

The Nigerian government has established the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) to coordinate relief efforts. However, critics argue that the government’s response has been inadequate, citing insufficient funding, ineffective security measures, and a lack of durable solutions.

The international community has provided significant humanitarian aid, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of displacement. The United Nations, European Union, and other organisations have provided emergency assistance, supported peace-building initiatives, and advocated for policy change.

Nigeria’s insecurity has resulted in one of the largest displacement crises in Africa. The government, international community, and humanitarian organisations must work together to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity, provide durable solutions, and ensure accountability. The situation demands collective action to stem the tide of displacement and ensure the safety and dignity of Nigeria’s citizens.

Zainab Abubakar Abba wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

In aggressive, offensive operations against terrorism and insurgency, Nigerian Army troops have obliterated yet another terrorist stronghold, successfully rescuing kidnapped students and seizing a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Troops also eliminated some insurgents, while some others were captured alive.

On 12 September 2024, acting on reliable intelligence, troops stationed in Kaduna State launched a highly coordinated operation aimed at rescuing abducted persons from violent extremist camps. Engaging in an intense firefight at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area, the troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandoning their captives. 

A thorough sweep of the area led to the rescue of 13 victims, comprising six males and seven females, as well as the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, four magazines, a locally fabricated rifle and the sum of ₦192,220.00. 

Five solar panels, five mobile phones, dry rations, and clothing items were also recovered. The rescued victims have been evacuated to 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital for medical attention.

In another decisive operation, troops in Kachia Local Government Area have intercepted two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers, Mallam Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, at Kagarko village. The troops confiscated the sum of ₦1,306,700.00, three SIM cards, two mobile phones, three national identity cards, 8 ATM cards, 2 Moniepoint POS machines, an MTN MiFi and other items from the suspects.

In a separate operation in Suleja, Niger State, troops stormed a terrorist hideout, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. The troops’ overwhelming firepower led to the neutralization of 3 terrorists, while three others, identified as Mallam Halalu, Mallam Suleiman, and Mr. Musa, were captured alive. The suspects led the troops to a hidden armoury, where 3 AK-47 rifles, 121 rounds of 7.62mm.

By Uzair Adam

Bandits have reportedly abducted over 150 individuals and stolen more than 1,000 cattle from villages in Gobir Emirate, Sokoto State.

The Emir, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa, also the District Head of Gatawa, was kidnapped on July 29 along with his son and six others on the Sokoto-Sabon Birni Road.

A distressing video showed the Emir pleading for ransom payment before his death, a situation that led to local protests and a curfew in Sabon Birni.

Our reporters gathered that the bandits’ recent activities have reignited concerns about their operations in the region.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Professor Bello Bada from Usmanu Danfodio University expressed frustration over the bandits’ apparent familiarity with local networks, questioning the effectiveness of local security measures.

He emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution to prevent further attacks.

Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, reported that between Tsamaye and Sabon Birni, 192 people have been abducted, with over 20,000 hectares of land lost due to banditry.

He criticized the lack of security in affected areas and revealed ongoing efforts to increase military presence in the region.

The Sokoto State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmad Rufa’i, stated that no formal report had been received but would investigate the matter further.