The recent abduction and release of 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members while travelling through Kogi State have triggered fresh demands for intelligence-driven security on Nigerian roads.
Some stakeholders advised that vulnerable highways must be placed under stronger surveillance to stop kidnappers before they strike.
In an interview with LEADERSHIP, they said the incident showed the growing vulnerability of Nigerians travelling on highways and the need for security agencies to focus more on intelligence gathering, surveillance and preventive measures.
The corps members, who had completed their orientation programme in Bayelsa State, were travelling towards Abuja when they were intercepted by gunmen on August 26, 2026, on the Ofu/Itobe-Onicha-Igo axis in Ofu local government area of Kogi State.
Commenting on the incident, Jimoh Haruna Gabi, director of Finance at the National Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC), said the rising cases of kidnapping was a serious concern to the safety and freedom of movement of Nigerians.
Also, a parent, Mrs Veronica Uge, said the incident had increased anxiety among families whose children were preparing to participate in the NYSC scheme.
According to her, families should not have to choose between allowing their children to serve the country and worrying about their safety.
Gabi said his work, which requires travelling to different states and remote locations, had made him increasingly conscious of the security situation across the country.
“The rise in kidnapping is a serious concern because it affects the safety and freedom of movement of Nigerians.
“Personally, since my work requires me to travel to different states, I am more conscious of the security situation, especially when visiting remote areas,” he said.
He also said the worsening security situation had affected the operations of N-HYPPADEC, as official movements and visits to project locations now required greater security consideration.
“It has also affected our operations at N-HYPPADEC, as some official movements and visits to project locations now require greater security consideration.
“However, we cannot allow insecurity to stop us from carrying out our responsibilities,” Gabi said.
He further urged the government and security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and engagement with local communities.
“I believe the government and security agencies need to strengthen intelligence gathering, surveillance and community engagement. Nigerians should be able to travel and work without living in fear,” he said.
Also speaking, a parent, Mrs Veronica Uge, said the incident had increased anxiety among families whose children were preparing to participate in the NYSC scheme.
According to her, families should not have to choose between allowing their children to serve the country and worrying about their safety.
“As a parent, the safety of my child is my greatest concern. We want our children to contribute to the development of the country, but the government must also take responsibility for their security.
“There should be proper arrangements for the safe movement of corps members, particularly on routes known to be vulnerable to kidnapping,” she said.
A Corps member, Abdullahi Hajarat Omeneke, said the increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry and other forms of violence required stronger measures to protect citizens.
Omeneke said security efforts should not be limited to deploying personnel after attacks had occurred, stressing the importance of intelligence-led operations.
