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As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day on June 12 and reflect on more than two decades of uninterrupted civilian governance, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has expressed concern that escalating insecurity across the country is eroding the foundations of democratic governance and could threaten public participation in future elections.
In a statement issued to mark the occasion, the civil society organisation urged the Federal Government to regard the nation’s security challenges as a serious danger to democratic stability, citizens’ rights, and the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
CAPPA noted that widespread incidents of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and communal violence have continued to create an atmosphere of fear in many parts of the country, limiting citizens’ ability to freely engage in economic, social, and political activities.
According to the organisation’s Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, democratic values can only flourish in an environment where people feel safe and protected.
She observed that many Nigerians now face daily anxiety over their safety, whether travelling, farming, running businesses, sending children to school, or participating in civic activities.
The organisation drew attention to the growing prevalence of kidnapping-for-ransom, describing it as one of the most disturbing manifestations of the country’s security crisis. CAPPA said repeated attacks on schools and educational institutions, as well as the increasing number of abductions, continue to undermine national development and public confidence.
Citing available figures, the group stated that between July 2024 and June 2025, at least 4,722 persons were kidnapped in 997 separate incidents. During the same period, no fewer than 762 people reportedly lost their lives in kidnapping-related cases, while an estimated N2.57 billion was paid by victims and their families as ransom.
CAPPA expressed particular concern over the frequent targeting of children, women, and young girls, many of whom remain in captivity for prolonged periods and endure severe psychological trauma.
The organisation said the circulation of videos showing abducted Nigerians being assaulted, humiliated, and compelled to appeal for ransom payments has highlighted the devastating human impact of insecurity and raised troubling questions about the effectiveness of state protection.
According to Ibeh, no citizen should be subjected to the indignity of pleading for survival before a camera while criminal groups continue to operate freely. She added that families of victims often suffer immense emotional pain while waiting for news about the fate of their loved ones.
CAPPA called on security agencies and relevant government authorities to intensify efforts to secure the release of all persons currently being held by criminal groups and ensure that perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The organisation stressed that no individual or group should be allowed to terrorise communities or disrupt national life without facing consequences.
It also urged authorities to improve public communication regarding rescue operations and measures being implemented to prevent future attacks. While acknowledging that certain security operations require confidentiality, CAPPA maintained that the lack of regular official updates has contributed to uncertainty, speculation, and frustration among affected families and communities.
The group warned that persistent insecurity could have serious implications for voter turnout and political participation as preparations gradually begin for the next electoral cycle.
According to CAPPA, citizens who fear violence are less likely to participate in democratic processes, while people displaced by conflict often face significant obstacles in exercising their voting rights.
The organisation argued that genuine democracy cannot be achieved when large segments of the population are effectively excluded from public participation because of insecurity.
To address the situation, CAPPA recommended increased investment in intelligence gathering, community-based policing initiatives, surveillance mechanisms, and early-warning systems. It also called for stronger cooperation between security agencies and local communities, improved welfare packages for security personnel, and more effective prosecution of criminal networks.
Beyond security measures, the organisation urged governments at all levels to tackle the deeper socio-economic factors that contribute to violence, including poverty, unemployment, corruption, weak institutions, environmental challenges, competition over resources, and social marginalisation.
As the nation marks Democracy Day, CAPPA emphasised that the ideals represented by June 12 must be reflected in the protection of citizens’ lives and welfare.
The group maintained that the essence of democracy lies in guaranteeing the freedom, dignity, and security of the people, adding that these values lose significance when citizens are unable to live, work, travel, or participate in public affairs without fear.
CAPPA therefore called on the government to take decisive steps to rescue those still in captivity, dismantle criminal networks, and restore public confidence in state institutions, noting that the protection of citizens remains one of the most important responsibilities of any democratic government.
