Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
The Olubadan of Ibadanland has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a significant turning point in Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping, praising the Federal Government’s renewed security efforts and insisting that the country is beginning to witness tangible progress against criminal gangs.
The revered monarch made the remarks while receiving a delegation of senior government officials and traditional leaders in Ibadan, Oyo State, where discussions centered on security, national unity, and economic development.
According to the Olubadan, the current administration deserves recognition for strengthening security operations across several parts of the country, particularly through improved collaboration among the armed forces, intelligence agencies, police, and local communities.
He noted that while kidnapping and banditry have not been completely eradicated, recent developments indicate that the government has begun reversing what many Nigerians considered an alarming rise in violent crimes.
“You have made a turning point on kidnapping in Nigeria without paying ransom,” the monarch said while addressing the President.
Traditional institutions remain critical
The Olubadan emphasized that traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in intelligence gathering and community security. He urged the Federal Government to continue engaging traditional institutions because they possess firsthand knowledge of local communities and can provide early warnings before criminal activities escalate.
He said security challenges cannot be addressed through military action alone, stressing that community participation, credible intelligence, and cooperation between government authorities and local leaders are essential to sustaining the gains already recorded.
The monarch also encouraged citizens to support security agencies by volunteering credible information capable of preventing crimes rather than waiting until attacks occur.
Tinubu’s security strategy
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to restore security across Nigeria through reforms in the country’s security architecture.
The administration has increased funding for security operations, approved the acquisition of military equipment, strengthened intelligence coordination, and directed security agencies to intensify operations against kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups.
Government officials have maintained that security forces have recorded successes in neutralizing criminal kingpins, rescuing kidnapped victims, dismantling terrorist camps, and recovering illegal weapons in several states.
Authorities also say improved cooperation among security agencies has contributed to many recent rescue operations carried out without ransom payments.
Kidnapping remains a national concern
Despite official claims of progress, kidnapping continues to pose one of Nigeria’s biggest security challenges.
Criminal groups have targeted highways, rural communities, schools, farms, religious institutions, and urban neighborhoods, forcing many families to live in fear and placing enormous pressure on local economies.
Many victims have been released after negotiations involving relatives, communities, or intermediaries, although successive governments have consistently maintained that paying ransom encourages further criminality.
Security experts have argued that dismantling kidnapping networks requires stronger intelligence, effective border security, improved policing, judicial reforms, and economic opportunities for young people vulnerable to recruitment by criminal gangs.
Calls for sustained momentum
The Olubadan urged the Federal Government not to relent, warning that criminals could attempt to reorganize if security pressure is relaxed.
He appealed for sustained investment in modern surveillance technology, better welfare for security personnel, and continued collaboration with state governments and traditional rulers.
According to him, lasting peace will only be achieved through consistent enforcement of the law alongside socio-economic policies that address unemployment, poverty, and youth empowerment.
He also called on Nigerians to remain united regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences, noting that insecurity affects every region of the country.
Government welcomes royal endorsement
The commendation from one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers is expected to strengthen the Federal Government’s narrative that its security policies are yielding positive outcomes.
Officials have consistently argued that measurable progress is being made despite the complexity of Nigeria’s security landscape, while acknowledging that more work remains before citizens can feel completely safe.
Analysts, however, caution that security performance should continue to be measured by sustained reductions in kidnappings, attacks on communities, and improved public confidence in law enforcement.
For many Nigerians, the ultimate benchmark will be whether people can travel freely, conduct business safely, and live without fear of abduction.
As security operations continue across the country, stakeholders agree that lasting success will depend on maintaining operational momentum, strengthening institutions, improving intelligence sharing, and ensuring that criminal networks are dismantled permanently.
Sources: Presidency (State House), Nigerian Tribune, The Nation, Channels Television.
