Kebbi Schoolgirls Release: Victory or Veneer? A Critical Look at Nigeria’s Security Narrative

The recent release of the Kebbi schoolgirls has sparked a familiar debate in Nigeria: Is this a genuine success story worthy of celebration, or a grim reminder of deeper, systemic problems? The government is touting it as a win. Yet, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar isn’t buying it. He views the jubilation as misplaced, arguing it highlights the nation’s deteriorating security situation. He’s got a point.

It’s easy to understand the relief that greets the return of these girls. Every Nigerian feels the pain of such brazen acts of terror. President Tinubu’s administration, through spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, understandably expressed relief and commended security agencies. Onanuga even suggested on Arise Television that this effort demonstrated the government’s commitment to securing Nigerian lives. But Atiku frames it differently – a “shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy.” This divergence in perspective demands closer examination.

Abubakar raises some uncomfortable, but entirely valid, questions. If, as claimed, the DSS and military could “track” the kidnappers and “made contact,” why weren’t these criminals apprehended? Why the negotiation instead of neutralization? These are not academic hypotheticals; they cut to the core of public trust. He essentially asks: Has kidnapping become a routine transaction between criminals and the state?

This line of questioning suggests a deeper anxiety: Are we normalizing the unacceptable? Are we lowering our expectations so drastically that simply securing the release of kidnapped victims – after negotiations and, implicitly, ransom payments – is now considered a triumph?

The former Vice President’s statement holds a certain truth. He paints a picture of terrorists operating with alarming freedom, dictating terms, and essentially functioning as an alternative government. In this scenario, the government’s role is reduced to negotiating and celebrating “compliance.” No serious nation, he contends, applauds itself for negotiating with terrorists it claims to monitor.

The reality, as many Nigerians experience it, lies somewhere in between outright failure and resounding success. The abduction itself, which occurred on November 17th at the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our schools and communities. The attack left one staff member dead and 25 students abducted. The escape of one girl shortly after only underscores the horror of the situation.

It’s worth noting that security is a multifaceted challenge. It involves intelligence gathering, effective policing, community engagement, and addressing the root causes of insecurity – poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity. A purely militaristic approach rarely provides a lasting solution.

The Kebbi schoolgirls’ release is, of course, a welcome event. The girls are back with their families. Still, we must not allow relief to overshadow the underlying problems. We must examine what enabled the kidnapping to occur in the first place. We need to dissect the negotiation process. What concessions were made, if any? What message does this send to other potential kidnappers?

From my own experience observing similar situations, a pattern emerges: a cycle of violence, negotiation, and temporary reprieve. This cycle continues unless there is a fundamental shift in strategy, a more proactive and preventative approach that targets the enablers and financiers of these criminal networks.

The government’s response, therefore, requires more than just press releases and celebratory statements. It demands transparency, accountability, and a willingness to confront the uncomfortable truths about the state of security in Nigeria. We need to see concrete steps taken to prevent future abductions, to strengthen security in vulnerable areas, and to dismantle the criminal networks that profit from these heinous acts.

Nigeria deserves more than negotiated releases and self-congratulatory pronouncements. The people deserve a safe and secure environment where children can attend school without fear, and where the government is proactively protecting its citizens, not just reacting to crises. This challenge is not about scoring political points; it’s about safeguarding the future of Nigeria. We need a strategy that truly reflects that commitment.

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