President Tinubu is currently under pressure as coordinated bandit raids leave 490 abducted across Northern Nigeria.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Nigeria’s deepening security crisis escalated over the weekend as bandits unleashed coordinated attacks across multiple northern states, abducting monarchs, worshippers, students, travellers, and even a bride in a 13-day wave of violence that has left at least 490 people in captivity.
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency and ongoing military operations, the Senate has warned that Nigeria urgently needs stronger community-based policing structures, as current security responses continue to fall short.
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From Sokoto to Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Borno, and the Federal Capital Territory, fresh raids have devastated rural communities, forcing residents to flee while many victims remain missing.
In Abuja, seven mourners six girls and a 16-year-old boy were kidnapped on November 28 in the Bwari Area Council. On the same day in Niger State, 24 farm workers, including pregnant women, were abducted in Shiroro LGA.
The violence dates back to November 18, when 38 worshippers were seized during a Thanksgiving service in Kwara, with three people killed. On November 23, ISWAP militants kidnapped 12 teenage girls from a farm in Borno before security forces rescued them.
By November 21, more than 315 people including 303 students and 12 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Schools in Niger State; about 50 later escaped.
Kidnappings continued in Kwara, Kogi, and other states, including the abduction of 21 passengers along a Kogi highway, all of whom were later rescued.
On Sunday, masked gunmen kidnapped the Ojibara of Bayagan, Oba Kamilu Salami, from his farm in Kwara, demanding a N150 million ransom. The monarch reportedly told his community he was transported for over five hours through thick forests before arriving at the kidnappers’ camp.
In Sokoto’s Wurno LGA, more than 30 women including a bride, her friends, and visiting guests were abducted during a dawn raid on Chacho community. Witnesses said the attackers moved from house to house, shooting one man and abducting his wife. The number of victims may rise.
In Kogi, gunmen invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, abducting the pastor, his wife, and others. The state government condemned the attack, warning religious bodies against holding services in remote areas.
Reacting to similar attacks in Kano’s Tsanyawa and Shanono LGAs, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin urged security agencies to intensify operations, warning that fleeing bandits from neighbouring states must not be allowed to establish new bases in Kano.
Senate: Nigeria does not need US intervention
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro said Nigeria must develop home-grown security solutions instead of relying on U.S. military intervention under President Donald Trump, arguing that local vigilantes and community intelligence have historically delivered results.
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the Kogi church attack, accusing the Tinubu administration of lacking urgency and strategy. The group criticised the retention of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and accused the government of nepotism and weak counterterrorism policies.
HURIWA’s Emmanuel Onwubiko warned that mass abductions, killings, and attacks on minority groups were rising, accusing the government of political compromises ahead of 2027. He demanded a more aggressive counterterrorism approach.
Presidency fires back at Obasanjo
Responding to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s suggestion that Nigeria should seek foreign intervention if domestic efforts fail, the Presidency dismissed the idea as “capitulation,” insisting Tinubu’s strategies are producing results.
Presidential spokesman Sunday Dare accused Obasanjo of downplaying the administration’s security efforts and ignoring the fact that Boko Haram’s foundations emerged during his tenure.
With attacks spreading across multiple states in less than two weeks, security experts warn the situation highlights the urgency of Senate calls for a bottom-up, locally rooted security architecture.
Meanwhile, affected communities continue to appeal for rapid rescue efforts, enhanced surveillance, and stronger military presence as hundreds of abductees remain in captivity.
