The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s approach to recent kidnappings across the country, warning that negotiating with bandits poses a grave threat to national security and undermines the rule of law.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said that although it rejoices with families whose loved ones have been freed—including worshippers abducted from Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun in Kwara State and students kidnapped in Kebbi—the government must answer tough questions.
The party argued that these abductions would not have occurred if the administration had been fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities.
“While we are delighted that these citizens can finally reunite with their families, we must reiterate our long-standing position that these abductions should never have occurred in the first place if the government were alive to its constitutional responsibilities,” the statement said.
The ADC accused the government of being distracted by politics and of reacting only when embarrassed internationally, citing a comment attributed to former US President Donald Trump that the party claims spurred action by Nigerian authorities.
It also criticised what it described as the “opaque and troubling” circumstances surrounding the victims’ release, citing conflicting statements from top officials. According to the party, comments from security leaders implying that kidnappers were not arrested because they voluntarily came out for peace talks were deeply concerning.
“It is alarming that a presidential spokesman reportedly claimed the victims were freed because security operatives asked them nicely,” the ADC stated, questioning whether the government is secretly paying ransom or entering agreements with violent groups responsible for killing innocent Nigerians.
The ADC warned that if negotiation has become the government’s primary response to insurgency and the surge in kidnappings, Nigeria is heading in a “dangerous direction”, arguing that this approach emboldens armed groups and expands the “banditry economy”.
The party also condemned the recent closure of Unity Schools, warning that shutting down educational institutions “plays directly into the ideology of extremists”.
“By closing schools, the government is reinforcing the very ideology Boko Haram was built upon,” the statement said, adding that the authorities appear unable to determine the exact number of children kidnapped in recent attacks—an indictment of what it called administrative incompetence.
The ADC criticised what it described as the abandonment of the Safe Schools Initiative and called for the deployment of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to all Federal Unity Schools so they can reopen immediately.
“The more we capitulate, the more ground we lose as a nation. Every day that schools remain closed, terrorists grow bolder, communities grow more fearful, and Nigeria drifts further from the promise of security and stability. A country that cannot protect its children cannot protect its future. Reopen the schools. Secure the schools. Bring our children home,” the party said.
