Insecurity In Nigeria: Are Criminals Targeting The Government Or The Nation? -By Abdullahi Abubakar Lawal

The recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo State has once again raised serious concerns about the security situation in Nigeria. Like millions of Nigerians, I have spent considerable time reflecting on why insecurity continues to persist despite the enormous resources, personnel, and efforts being deployed by successive governments to combat it.

Following extensive research and analysis of recent incidents, I arrived at a troubling observation: not every act of insecurity appears to be motivated purely by financial gain. Some incidents increasingly suggest a deliberate attempt to create fear, undermine public confidence, and damage the image of government.

The Oyo school abduction presents several disturbing questions. Reports indicate that the abductors kidnapped innocent school children and teachers, allegedly killed one of the teachers, and repeatedly released videos showing the painful conditions of the victims. More concerning is the claim that they appeared unwilling to engage in meaningful negotiations or accept the usual forms of settlement associated with conventional kidnapping operations.

This raises a critical question: if financial reward is not the primary objective, then what is?

The consistent release of disturbing videos appears designed to generate public outrage, emotional distress, and widespread fear. Every new video triggers fresh waves of anxiety among parents, communities, and Nigerians across the country. Social media platforms become flooded with anger, frustration, and criticism directed at the government.

From a strategic perspective, this suggests that the perpetrators may be pursuing objectives beyond ransom collection. Their actions appear aimed at creating maximum psychological impact and portraying the government as incapable of protecting its citizens.

It is important to understand that insecurity is one of the greatest threats to any administration. No government benefits from insecurity. Regardless of achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, or economic reforms, persistent insecurity can overshadow every other accomplishment.

A government may build roads, construct schools, improve healthcare facilities, and implement economic policies, but if citizens do not feel safe, public confidence will inevitably decline.

This is why it is difficult to believe that any administration would intentionally support or tolerate insecurity. The political, economic, and social consequences are simply too severe.

Many Nigerians often ask whether security agencies can locate criminal hideouts. In many cases, the answer may be yes. The more difficult question is whether military force can always be used immediately.

The reality is that rescue operations involving kidnapped children require extreme caution. While security forces may possess the capability to launch direct assaults, such operations carry significant risks. Armed confrontations can lead to casualties among hostages, especially when criminals use innocent victims as human shields.

Governments around the world face this dilemma. They must balance the urgency of rescuing victims with the responsibility of protecting innocent lives. A successful operation is not merely one that eliminates criminals; it is one that brings the victims home safely.

The ongoing challenge of insecurity therefore requires more than military action alone. It demands intelligence gathering, community cooperation, technological surveillance, strengthened border controls, judicial reforms, and the active participation of citizens.

At the same time, Nigerians must be careful not to allow criminals to achieve their ultimate objective. Terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other violent groups thrive on fear and division. Their greatest victory is not the ransom they collect but the panic, distrust, and instability they create within society.

As the nation continues to confront security challenges, all stakeholders, government, security agencies, political actors, community leaders, and citizens must unite against those who seek to destabilize the country.

The lives of innocent children should never become instruments in political battles, criminal enterprises, or propaganda campaigns. Nigeria’s security challenges can only be overcome through collective responsibility, national unity, and unwavering commitment to protecting every citizen.

The suffering of innocent Nigerians should unite us in finding solutions, not divide us in pursuit of political advantage.

Abdullahi Abubakar Lawal (Sheikh) is a Medical Laboratory Science student, writer, entrepreneur, and public affairs commentator. He writes on governance, security, youth development, and national issues affecting Nigeria.