The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of weakening Nigeria’s fight against insurgency by reportedly engaging in covert negotiations with bandits responsible for mass abductions in different parts of the country.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC applauded the release of abducted worshippers in Kwara State and schoolchildren in Kebbi, but stressed that the unclear circumstances surrounding their freedom raise serious concerns about the government’s strategy on security.
Abdullahi said while the safe return of the victims is a relief to their families, the government must be held accountable for failing to prevent the kidnappings in the first place. He insisted that such incidents would not happen if authorities were fully committed to their constitutional duty of protecting citizens.
The ADC also drew attention to conflicting statements from senior officials — including the Inspector General of Police and the Presidential spokesperson — which it said point to a troubling lack of transparency. The party questioned whether ransom or other concessions were offered, warning that negotiating with criminals only strengthens their networks and sustains what it described as a thriving “banditry economy.”
According to the party, the return of bandits to the Isaac community in Kwara shortly after the release of the Eruku victims suggests that the government’s approach is recycling fear rather than eliminating the threat.
The ADC further condemned the shutdown of 47 Federal Unity Schools, describing it as a decision that portrays weakness and encourages extremist groups. It urged the government to take urgent steps to secure all Federal Unity Schools, including deploying NSCDC personnel to ensure safe learning environments.
“The more we give in, the more ground we lose as a nation,” the party warned, calling on the Federal Government to secure schools, ensure the safe return of all abducted children, and show clearly that Nigeria will not succumb to terror.
