The tragic death of five infants in captivity, recently reported from Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, underscores the resilience of terrorists, bandits, and criminals tormenting Nigerians. This heartbreaking incident, in which the infants were among 17 villagers kidnapped by bandits, highlights the ongoing failure of the Nigerian government’s campaign to neutralize these violent groups. President Bola Tinubu must urgently adopt more effective measures to protect Nigerian citizens from the scourge of insecurity.

The children, along with their mothers and others, were abducted on October 7, with the bandits demanding an initial ransom of N19 million. After the payment was made, only four people were released, with the criminals demanding more money. Sadly, the five infants died because their mothers, reportedly ill and unable to breastfeed, were also held captive. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the daily horrors faced by many Nigerians as insecurity continues to spiral.

Instead of visiting the affected communities, Tinubu attended a summit in Saudi Arabia, missing an opportunity to demonstrate empathy and leadership. This lack of visible concern reflects a broader issue with the Nigerian government’s response to insecurity. When citizens are subjected to such brutal crimes, the government must not only act but also show genuine compassion for those affected.

This incident also underscores two major issues: the tenacity of the terrorists, bandits, and militant groups in their criminal activities, and the apparent inability of the Nigerian government’s security forces to effectively deal with the situation. Despite billions of naira being allocated to security in Nigeria, including N552 billion in the 2023 Supplementary Budget, the problem persists, showing that money alone is not solving the crisis.

The Nigerian government needs to re-think its approach to fighting banditry and terrorism. The strategies employed so far have proven insufficient, and the situation requires innovative thinking, new strategies, and a laser focus on results. Tinubu must not repeat the mistakes of his predecessors, who failed to provide hands-on leadership in dealing with these issues.

When tragedy strikes, it is the duty of a leader to visit the affected areas, provide reassurance, and assess the situation firsthand. Tinubu’s absence sends the wrong message to Nigerians, especially those living in the most vulnerable regions. While his international engagements may be important, it is essential for the president to show up for his people during times of crisis or at least send a high-ranking official to demonstrate that the government is fully committed to addressing the problem.

To effectively combat banditry and kidnapping, Tinubu’s government needs to implement several measures:

1. Crush Banditry and Kidnapping with Full Force: The government must launch a sustained and coordinated campaign to eliminate these criminals. According to the International Review of the Red Cross, banditry is currently Nigeria’s gravest security threat, causing immense humanitarian crises. Kidnapping has also become a lucrative industry, with over 3,420 people abducted between July 2021 and June 2022, and more than N653.7 million paid in ransom. This figure is believed to be understated.
2. Strengthen Border Control and Security: Effective control of Nigeria’s porous borders is essential to prevent the influx of weapons and fighters that fuel these criminal activities.
3. Use Technology and Modern Intelligence Tools: The government must invest in modern technology, including drones and surveillance systems, to track and neutralize terrorists and bandits.
4. Overhaul Security Agencies: Security chiefs who fail to deliver results should be swiftly replaced. Security forces need better training, equipment, and a stronger mandate to take decisive action against criminals.
5. Devolve Policing Powers: Policing should be decentralized, allowing state governments to establish and run their own police forces. These state forces must be well-armed, trained, and accountable.
6. Ensure Accountability for Security Spending: Funds allocated for security must be transparently managed, and officials who misappropriate funds should be prosecuted. Effective use of resources is critical to improving the security situation.
7. Prosecute Criminals: Those involved in banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism must be prosecuted. The lack of accountability has emboldened criminals, allowing them to continue their operations with little fear of punishment.

President Tinubu must adopt a hands-on approach to leadership and make ending insecurity a top priority of his administration. By showing up in affected communities, adopting new strategies, and holding security agencies accountable, he can begin to restore safety and confidence among the Nigerian people. The time for action is now; Nigeria cannot afford to wait any longer for peace and security.