Former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has issued a stern message to the Federal Government as Nigeria battles a fresh wave of kidnappings and terrorist threats across different regions of the country.
In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the retired general said authorities must not spare anyone involved in terrorism, insisting that the nation’s security crisis has reached a level where firm and decisive action is no longer optional.
He warned strongly against negotiating with criminals, stressing that security agencies should confront violent groups with full force and treat all those aiding or abetting terror networks as enemies of the state.
According to Babangida, continued negotiations with armed groups only embolden them and give them room to regroup, while innocent Nigerians continue to suffer in their hands.
He wrote: “No bandits, no terrorists, no terrorists negotiators or terrorists sympathizers should be spared for disrupting the peace of Nigerians.
“If I was the President, that would be my message to the Nigerian military and states governors. We can go band for band, we are not negotiating!”
Rising Kidnapping Cases in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger
IBB’s comments come at a time when several states are facing renewed security challenges, with reports of attacks, killings and abductions becoming more frequent in both rural and urban communities.
In Kwara State, residents of communities in Ekiti and Ifelodun local government areas have raised concerns after armed groups abducted travellers and farmers in recent days, creating widespread fear among villagers who now avoid farmlands and major roads.
Local sources disclosed that many residents now sleep with one eye open, as night attacks have become common and security patrols remain irregular in some of the affected communities.
In Kebbi State, bandits reportedly invaded parts of Danko-Wasagu and Sakaba local government areas, taking villagers away and forcing many families to flee their homes for safety.
Witnesses claim that some villages have been deserted, as residents move towards neighbouring towns and state capitals in search of refuge from constant attacks.
Niger State has also remained tense, following multiple abduction incidents, including the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and farmers across Shiroro, Munya and Rafi local government areas.
Community leaders in the state have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government for stronger military presence, improved intelligence gathering and better welfare for security personnel deployed to the frontline.
With the worsening situation, many Nigerians are now calling for tougher laws, faster prosecution of suspects and stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities to restore peace and security across the country.