Nigeria’s security challenges intensified over the past two weeks as bandits unleashed coordinated attacks across multiple states, abducting at least 490 people—including traditional rulers, students, worshippers, travellers, and even a bride—within 13 days of escalating violence.
The Senate has again warned that Nigeria must urgently reinforce community-based policing structures, noting that security agencies are overstretched despite President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing nationwide security emergency and military operations.
Wave of coordinated abductions
From Sokoto to Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory, communities have been left traumatised by renewed raids, widespread displacement, and a rising number of missing persons.
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Abuja: On November 28, seven mourners—six girls and a teenage boy—were kidnapped in Gidan Bijimi, Bwari Area Council.
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Niger State: Twenty-four farm workers, including pregnant women, were abducted the same day in Shiroro LGA.
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Kwara State: The violence began on November 18 when 38 worshippers were seized during a Thanksgiving service in Eruku, Ekiti LGA, with three people killed.
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Borno State: ISWAP militants kidnapped 12 teenage girls from a farm in Askira/Uba LGA on November 23, though the girls were later rescued.
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Niger Schools Attack: By November 21, over 315 people—303 students and 12 teachers—from St Mary’s Private Schools had been kidnapped, with about 50 managing to escape.
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Kogi State: Fresh attacks led to the abduction of travellers and worshippers, including 21 passengers kidnapped along a major highway, all later rescued.
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Kwara State: The Ojibara of Bayagan, Oba Kamilu Salami, was kidnapped while on his farm. His abductors reportedly demanded N150 million ransom after forcing him to speak with his community.
Sokoto: Bride and wedding guests seized
In one of the most shocking incidents, suspected bandits stormed Chacho community in Wurno LGA on Saturday, abducting more than 30 women, including a bride, her friends, and visiting wedding guests. The attackers reportedly moved from house to house before fleeing with multiple victims.
Kogi: Church attacked, pastor and worshippers abducted
The Kogi State Government confirmed an attack on a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA. The pastor, his wife, and several worshippers were seized, forcing residents to flee into surrounding bushes.
Senate, security experts demand urgent action
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged security agencies to intensify operations in Kano following fresh attacks, warning that fleeing bandits must not be allowed to regroup in rural communities.
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro insisted that Nigeria must not rely on foreign military intervention, arguing that community-based intelligence and local vigilante groups have proven effective in past rescue operations.
HURIWA lashes out at Federal Government
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the recent attacks, calling them a “direct affront” to President Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency. The group accused the Federal Government of lacking urgency, criticised the retention of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and warned that nepotistic security appointments were undermining counter-terrorism efforts.
Presidency counters Obasanjo’s remarks
Responding to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call for international assistance to manage internal security, the Presidency described the suggestion as “capitulation.”
Special Adviser Sunday Dare argued that President Tinubu’s strategy—combining military force, community engagement, and non-kinetic measures—is already delivering results.
Communities cry for rescue
As attacks spread across multiple states, residents continue to appeal for rapid intervention, improved surveillance, and sustained rescue missions for those still held captive.
