Kidnapping spree escalates as FG negotiates hostages’ freedom

Nigeria is experiencing a renewed spike in kidnappings, with coordinated attacks unfolding across multiple northern states even as the Federal Government continues negotiating the release of earlier abductees.

Fresh Kidnappings in Kwara

On Monday evening, Isapa community in Ekiti LGA, Kwara State, came under fire as about 30 armed men stormed the settlement with herds of cattle. They fired into homes, leaving bullet holes across buildings before seizing at least 10 residents—among them children, two nursing mothers and a pregnant woman. Community sources say 11 people may have been taken.

The incident happened just days after 38 church members abducted from CAC Oke-Isegun in nearby Eruku were freed through what the government described as “negotiation-based, non-kinetic engagement.”
Following the latest attack, President Tinubu ordered round-the-clock aerial patrols over forests in Kwara, Niger and Kebbi, directing the Nigerian Air Force to sweep deep into the terrain believed to be harbouring the kidnappers.

Kano and Nasarawa Also Hit

In Kano’s Tsanyawa LGA, another 10 villagers were abducted late Monday night as gunmen raided Biresawa and Tsundu communities. Locals who tried to resist were overwhelmed.

In Nasarawa State, a church crusade collapsed into chaos after bandits attacked a neighbouring village, injured a youth and triggered mass panic.

Kebbi Schoolgirls Regain Freedom

There was relief in Kebbi State as 24 schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, were released after a week in captivity. The state government and military credited the success to intensified operations ordered by the President.

Government Defends Negotiations

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga revealed that the DSS and military maintained direct contact with the kidnappers during the Kwara church rescue. He insisted that:

• no ransom was paid,

• negotiations were necessary to avoid civilian casualties, and

• the kidnappers released the victims after warnings that force would be deployed if talks failed.

Critics Demand Accountability

Former top military and police officers welcomed the safe return of the victims but warned that negotiating with criminals could deepen the kidnapping economy.
Opposition parties also condemned the practice, insisting it reflects government failure to protect citizens.

States Intensify Security Measures

Kwara launched a “Safer Kwara” committee to design immediate and long-term security strategies tailored to rural communities.
In Kaduna, police, soldiers, DSS operatives and local hunters have begun a major clearance operation across multiple LGAs to dismantle bandit camps.

Religious Leaders Sound Alarm

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria condemned the rising attacks—especially on Christian communities in the north and the Middle Belt—saying the violence is worsening national tension and displacing families.