Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

31 August 2026

3-minute read

Mass kidnappings have become an increasingly serious security threat in Nigeria, with a recent assault in Niger State, the largest state in Nigeria, bringing renewed attention to the scale of the crisis.

Gunmen reportedly attacked 4 villages, targeting worshippers and residents, killing at least 40 people and taking hundreds captive, including women and children. The incident also forced families to flee to neighbouring areas and across the border into Benin in search of safety.

Kemi Okenyodo, founder and executive director of the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), called the attacks “quite unfortunate” and said it reflects a wider breakdown in community security and public confidence. The recurrence of large-scale attacks has intensified criticism of the authorities, with Nigerians questioning whether current measures are sufficient to prevent raids, protect vulnerable communities and bring perpetrators to justice.

The federal government ordered a coordinated rescue operation with community members, the government and the state “not to leave any stone unturned” to get the victims back, while demanding regular progress reports.

The response comes as kidnapping has developed into a lucrative criminal enterprise across parts of the country, with victims commonly held for ransom and rural communities frequently exposed because of limited security coverage. “It’s a mixed basket of issues,” Kemi stated, with the added complication of control of land, ideological groups filtering into the region, communities being hard to reach with poor roads and infrastructure leading to them and lacking a “tangible government presence”. 90% of funds collected by kidnappers or bandits going to a particular group.

“Human security development and hardcore security response” must go hand-in-hand, Kemi emphasized. Security specialists say an effective response must extend beyond emergency deployments after an attack. Until these weaknesses are addressed, mass abductions are likely to remain a major threat to public safety and national stability.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Kemi Okenyodo here.