Rescue or Ransom – Nigerians Deserve the Truth

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By Editorial Team

The recent rescue of 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State and the escape of the Niger students is a relief to their families and communities. While these developments offer hope, many Nigerians remain in the hands of terrorists, raising urgent questions about how these operations were conducted and whether justice will be served. Unless urgent steps are taken, the country risks normalising a system where abductions become a routine threat to citizens.

Citizens deserve clarity. How exactly did the security operatives secure the release of the Kwara worshippers? Were the kidnappers apprehended, or was ransom involved? Without answers, the public cannot distinguish between a well-executed rescue operation and a negotiated release that leaves criminals free to strike again. Transparency is crucial for building trust in security agencies and discouraging future kidnappings.

Kidnapping has become a business in Nigeria, and ransom payments encourage criminal networks. Families may feel compelled to pay to save their loved ones, but the state must ensure that such acts do not yield profit for perpetrators. Security agencies must apprehend criminals and ensure they face justice. Otherwise, the cycle of crime will continue unabated, and ordinary citizens will remain vulnerable.

The Niger students’ escape also highlights the need for clarity in every case. Citizens need to know whether their escape was secured through intelligence, tactical operations, or negotiations. Clear communication reassures Nigerians that the state is competent and reduces suspicion that rescues are the result of payments or private deals. Without transparency, even successful outcomes are overshadowed by doubt.

Underlying factors driving kidnappings must also be addressed. Weak governance and corruption create fertile ground for criminals. Security operations alone cannot resolve the problem. Long-term strategies must include prevention, community engagement, and dismantling criminal networks. Kidnappers exploit gaps in governance and public trust, and tackling these gaps is key to lasting solutions.

Celebrating rescues without accountability risks normalising impunity. The public must see that perpetrators are arrested, prosecuted, and punished. Otherwise, criminals will view abductions as profitable ventures with minimal consequences. The emotional and psychological trauma experienced by victims and their families does not end with physical freedom; justice is a critical part of recovery.

The culture of ransom must be examined. While families may feel compelled to pay, these payments strengthen criminal enterprises and encourage repetition. The state must develop measures to protect citizens without incentivising ransom payments. A zero-tolerance approach, combined with efficient intelligence and law enforcement, is the only sustainable path to reducing kidnappings.

Security agencies themselves require better resources, training, and coordination. Many abduction cases are hampered by inadequate logistics, understaffing, or poor planning. Improving capacity, modernising tools, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration are necessary for swift and effective responses. Citizens must see that security forces are empowered, capable, and committed to safeguarding lives.

Government must also be transparent about rescue operations. Reports detailing how operations were conducted, how victims were protected, and what steps are being taken to prevent recurrence will build public confidence. Accountability in every case reassures citizens that the state is serious about protecting lives.

Every kidnapping underscores systemic weaknesses that allow criminal networks to thrive. It highlights the urgent need for reforms in governance, policing, and intelligence. Nigeria cannot continue to respond only reactively. Proactive policies and clear strategies must replace ad hoc interventions. This includes strengthening community partnerships, investing in early warning systems, and holding security agencies accountable for performance.

The public also has a role to play. Citizens must report suspicious activity and cooperate with authorities. Vigilante actions, though understandable, often lead to unintended consequences. True progress requires coordinated efforts between the state and the people. Only through partnership can kidnappings be effectively reduced.

The recent rescues are commendable, but Nigerians deserve more than celebrations. The government must ensure justice is served, criminals are prosecuted, and institutional weaknesses addressed. Citizens have the right to know whether victims were truly rescued or released after ransom payments. Without transparency, public confidence remains fragile, and the fight against kidnappers is incomplete.

Every life lost or threatened to kidnapping is a national concern. Celebrating rescues is important, but it must be paired with accountability, institutional strengthening, and preventive strategies. Citizens must see tangible results that deter crime and protect lives. Only then can Nigeria claim progress in its battle against insecurity.

In conclusion, Nigerians can rejoice at the safe return of victims, but the focus must shift to justice, systemic reform, and preventive strategies. Rescue operations should serve not only to free victims but also to dismantle criminal networks and reinforce public trust. Until these measures are fully implemented, the fight against kidnapping will remain unfinished, and the cycle of fear and criminality will continue.