How the Defence Minister Scores Tinubu’s Security Amid Rising School Kidnappings

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, has rated the security performance of the administration of President Bola Tinubu at between 65 and 70 percent, stating that while terrorism has reduced in some areas, kidnapping particularly of schoolchildren remains a major concern.

Speaking in a social media statement marking three years of the current administration, Musa said security forces have recorded significant gains against terrorism but acknowledged that abductions continue to pose serious challenges across the country.

He further argued that kidnapping is not only a security issue but also a reflection of declining societal and family values, urging Nigerians to reject “get-rich-quick” mentalities that may encourage criminal behaviour.

His remarks come amid renewed concern over a series of school kidnappings recorded between May 13 and May 15, during which at least 82 pupils were abducted in separate incidents across Borno State and Oyo State.

The Oyo incident was particularly deadly, involving the killing of a teacher, a motorcyclist, and a security operative who reportedly died after encountering explosives planted by the attackers.

Security authorities have linked the Oyo attack to the JAS terror faction, which has reportedly been pushed out of several regions following sustained military operations.

Recent data from Amnesty International indicates that more than 1,100 abductions were recorded within the first four months of 2026 alone, highlighting the scale of insecurity affecting parts of the country. Similar mass kidnapping incidents were also reported in Kogi State in April, as well as in Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara states in late 2025.

Despite these challenges, the Defence Minister pointed to some operational successes, including the reported killing of a senior ISIS-linked commander, as evidence of improved military effectiveness.

He also noted increased cooperation between Nigeria and international partners, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and Turkey, who have provided support in equipment and intelligence sharing.

Musa cautioned that allowing terrorism to become deeply entrenched in any country makes it extremely difficult to eradicate, citing Turkey’s decades-long struggle with insurgency as an example of how prolonged conflict can evolve.

He added that sustained collaboration between security agencies and citizens remains critical to improving national security outcomes.