Despite Military Successes, Expert Warns Kidnappings and Bandit Attacks Remain a National Threat
As debates continue over the true state of security in Nigeria, a respected security expert has delivered a sobering assessment that may surprise many Nigerians. While acknowledging progress in some areas, he insists that the country cannot yet be described as safe or secure.
Abdullahi Bokaji Adamu, a retired Army Captain and Country Director of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), made the remarks while reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s recent anniversary address, in which the President highlighted improvements in security conditions across several parts of the country.
According to Adamu, both optimism and concern can coexist. He noted that there is evidence of meaningful progress in regions where military operations have intensified. Several roads once notorious for kidnappings now reportedly enjoy stronger security presence, while some terrorist and bandit leaders have been neutralized through ongoing operations.
For many communities that were previously isolated by fear and violence, these developments have brought a degree of relief and stability. However, Adamu warned that such gains should not create the impression that Nigeria has completely overcome its security challenges.
He pointed out that kidnappings for ransom continue to plague many parts of the North-West and North-Central regions. Rural communities still report attacks by armed groups, while farmers, herders, and travelers remain vulnerable in numerous locations across the country.
The security expert stressed that the situation varies significantly from one state to another, making it difficult to give a blanket assessment of national security.
Addressing questions about the ability of security agencies to locate bandits, Adamu maintained that modern intelligence capabilities make it possible to identify criminal networks, camps, financiers, and collaborators. However, he explained that locating criminals is only one part of a much larger challenge.
According to him, vast forests, porous borders, illegal arms flows, poverty, unemployment, and weak prosecution systems continue to fuel insecurity. He argued that ending banditry requires more than military operations—it demands a coordinated strategy that combines intelligence, law enforcement, economic reforms, and community protection.
His comments echo recent remarks by former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (Rtd), who stated that security agencies possess the capability to track criminals but may face operational complexities in responding effectively.
As Nigeria moves forward, Adamu believes the real test is not whether progress has been made, but whether those gains can be sustained and expanded nationwide.
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