A legal practitioner and human rights activist, Adamu Kabiru Adamu, has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff to extend the same level of urgency and operational commitment used in handling high-profile security matters to the rescue of ordinary Nigerians held captive by kidnappers and bandits.
In an open letter addressed to the President and military authorities, Adamu expressed concern over what he described as the disparity in security responses between cases involving prominent individuals and the plight of ordinary citizens abducted across the country.
According to him, recent security operations have shown that Nigeria possesses capable intelligence networks, surveillance systems and tactical teams capable of swiftly tracking and apprehending suspects when issues of national importance arise.
He, however, questioned why similar resources and urgency are not consistently deployed to rescue victims of kidnapping and banditry, many of whom remain in captivity for prolonged periods.
“Across many states of the federation, innocent citizens are abducted daily from their homes, farms, highways, schools and places of worship. Families are subjected to unimaginable trauma, forced to sell their possessions, borrow money and sometimes lose their loved ones while waiting for intervention that often comes too late or never comes at all,” he said.
The activist stressed that every Nigerian life is equally valuable, regardless of social or political status, noting that the Constitution guarantees the right to life and security for all citizens without discrimination.
Addressing President Tinubu, Adamu said Nigerians look to his leadership for assurance that the security and welfare of all citizens remain a top priority.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in combating terrorism, insurgency and banditry but maintained that the continued rise in kidnappings demands renewed strategies and stronger intelligence coordination.
The lawyer urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward dismantling kidnapping syndicates through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance, greater inter-agency collaboration and increased security presence in vulnerable communities.
Among his recommendations were the deployment of advanced technological surveillance systems, transparent communication with affected families and equal prioritisation of rescue operations irrespective of victims’ social standing.
“A nation is judged not merely by how it protects its leaders and elites, but by how it protects its most vulnerable citizens. Every Nigerian life is precious. Every family deserves protection,” he stated.
Adamu appealed to the President and military leadership to ensure that the same determination demonstrated in matters of national significance is equally applied to protecting ordinary Nigerians from the growing threat of kidnapping and banditry.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, relevant committees of the National Assembly, civil society organisations and media groups.
