Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-03-20 15:25:20
The Nigerian military has recently rescued 16 of the more than 100 people who were kidnapped in the north-central Kaduna state over the weekend. These kidnappings, carried out by criminal gangs and terror groups demanding ransom payments, have become a common occurrence in Nigeria, particularly in the north, with authorities struggling to address the issue effectively.
According to a local official, the kidnappers attacked Kajuru-Station village in Kaduna State around 10 pm on Sunday, taking 87 people, including women and children. The assailants also looted shops for food and supplies. This incident came just a day after another attack in the nearby Dogon Noma community where 16 individuals were taken, including 15 women and a man.
Village leader Tanko Wada Sarkin reported that five of the kidnapped individuals managed to escape the attackers and return home. He mentioned that the bandits had attacked the community multiple times in recent days. These incidents follow a larger mass kidnapping of over 287 students in Kaduna’s Kuriga town earlier this month, with the children believed to be held captive in remote forests in the region.
In response to these incidents, Nigeria’s military conducted a rescue operation in northwest Kaduna state, where they engaged with insurgents in Tantatu community in Kajuru district. They were able to save 16 of the abductees after a firefight with the attackers. The military is currently searching the forests for other missing individuals.
The escalating kidnappings in Nigeria have raised concerns about the country’s overall security situation. Security analyst Chidi Omeje attributed the increase in criminal activities to economic challenges and governance issues in rural areas. Omeje stressed the need for a more effective security strategy, pointing out gaps in the current security architecture and the concentration of police resources on VIP protection.
In response to the security challenges, authorities have ordered the establishment of a mobile police force base in Kaduna state. However, security analyst Kabir Adamu emphasized the importance of revising the deployment of police officers to address the growing insecurity in remote areas. He highlighted the need to focus on enhancing internal security structures and ensuring better protection for all citizens.
President Bola Tinubu, who has been implementing economic reforms, promised to tackle insecurity if elected president. In a tragic incident on March 14, 16 soldiers, including high-ranking officers, were killed and decapitated in southern Delta state while trying to mediate a conflict between two communities. The Nigerian military has launched an investigation into the incident.
Overall, the recent string of kidnappings and attacks in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and strategies to address the escalating threat of criminal gangs and terror groups in the country. By strengthening security mechanisms and prioritizing the protection of all citizens, authorities can work towards creating a safer environment for all Nigerians.
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