By Tony Ogunlowo
Two high-profile kidnapping cases in recent weeks have once again drawn national attention to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and the uneven response to victims across social classes.
One case involved more than 45 pupils and teachers abducted from a school in Oyo State, while another involved the relatives of a former minister. The minister’s sister and her two sons were reportedly rescued in a highly publicised security operation, while the fate of the abducted schoolchildren remains unclear.
Reports indicate that at least two teachers were killed during the incident. Nigeria continues to battle widespread kidnapping. According to security observers, thousands of cases are reported annually, with many others going unreported due to fear and distrust of the system. Families are often left to negotiate directly with abductors amid limited police capacity.
The 2014 Chibok abduction, in which 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped, remains a painful reference point, as not all victims have been rescued years later.The article argues that the contrasting outcomes of recent rescue efforts reflect a broader perception of inequality in security response, with claims that high-profile victims may receive faster intervention than ordinary citizens.
Successive governments have repeatedly pledged to adopt tougher measures against kidnapping and banditry. However, insecurity persists, with critics questioning the effectiveness of current strategies, including forest security initiatives and intelligence operations. Concerns have also been raised about limited surveillance capacity, delayed response times, and the need for improved coordination among security agencies.
The piece concludes that addressing insecurity requires long-term solutions focused not only on enforcement but also on tackling underlying socio-economic challenges such as poverty and unemployment, which continue to drive criminal activity.
