Buhari tasks security outfits to recover 200 kidnapped children

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigeria's security and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts to rescue around 200 children who were kidnapped from an Islamic school in Niger State. The recurring incidences of abductions have become a troubling trend in the country, demanding immediate attention and robust solutions. The interview with Onyekachi Adekoya, Managing Director of PR24 Nigeria, shed light on the concerning situation and the challenges faced in combating such crimes. Adekoya emphasized the need for enhanced security measures in schools to prevent them from being soft targets for criminal groups. He also highlighted the emergence of kidnapping as a lucrative industry driven by profit, rather than ideological motives. The lack of resources and manpower within the police forces has further complicated efforts to combat these criminal activities, with security forces struggling to keep up with the sophisticated tactics employed by the kidnappers. Adekoya pointed out the interconnectedness of armed criminal groups across different regions in Nigeria, operating kidnappings as a profitable business. He emphasized the importance of political will and coordinated efforts at both the subnational and federal levels to effectively address the escalating security challenges in the country. While some progress has been made at the subnational level with various states implementing unique strategies to combat insecurity, Adekoya highlighted the constitutional constraints that limit the contributions of subnational entities in the fight against crime. At the federal level, the government faces significant challenges due to the widespread nature of security threats, stretching military operations across multiple states. Adekoya emphasized the need for a holistic approach that combines kinetic and non-kinetic solutions to address the root causes of insecurity. He called for consensus-building and dialogue to engage all stakeholders in crafting sustainable security measures. Adekoya expressed hope that ongoing policy reviews and legislative processes would lead to a more coordinated and effective approach to tackling the scourge of kidnappings in Nigeria. The interview underscored the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat the rising threat of kidnappings and restore peace and security in the country.