Defence Minister Christopher Musa has given the administration of President Bola Tinubu a security performance rating of between 65 and 70 per cent, while acknowledging that kidnapping remains a major concern despite a reported decline in terrorism.
Musa made the assessment during an appearance on ARISE News on Friday, as part of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration.
He argued that while Nigeria still faces security challenges, the intensity of terrorism had reduced significantly.
“I’ll give ourselves 65 to 70,” he said when asked to rate the government’s performance, adding that no nation was entirely free from crime.
“Yes. 65 to 70%. No nation is totally free from crime and criminality. I’m sure you are aware that the level of terrorism across the country has actually drastically reduced. Now we have acts of terrorism, and terrorism, like I said, is a social vice, a failure of family values,” he said.
He further suggested that kidnapping was increasingly driven by deeper societal issues rather than purely security lapses, pointing to what he described as a breakdown in family structure.
“We have fathers kidnapping children, children kidnapping each other, brothers kidnapping sisters. It tells you that something is wrong with the family, and we need to look inward to see how we can develop those aspects,” he said.
His comments came shortly after a fresh wave of school abductions across parts of the country, including in Borno and Oyo states, which have raised renewed concern about the safety of pupils and teachers.
According to reports, at least 82 pupils were abducted between May 13 and 15 in separate attacks. In Borno, 42 pupils were taken after armed groups struck schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas on May 13 and 14.
In Oyo, 40 pupils were abducted on May 15 during coordinated attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all in Oriire Local Government Area.
During the attack in Oyo, mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was killed by the gunmen, while a motorcyclist also lost his life.
A security operative reportedly died after encountering improvised explosive devices planted by the attackers during early rescue efforts.
The Defence Headquarters linked the Oyo incident to terrorists of the JAS faction, saying they had been displaced from other regions following intensified military operations by the Nigerian Army and other security forces.
Following the Borno attack, authorities ordered the temporary closure and relocation of Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International said that at least 1,100 people were abducted between January and April 2026, warning that the trend reflects a persistent failure to protect vulnerable communities.
The recent Oyo and Borno incidents add to a broader pattern of mass abductions across the country. In April, gunmen abducted 23 pupils and the wife of a school proprietor during an attack on an orphanage and school facility in Zariagi, Lokoja, Kogi State.
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, later rescued nine victims during coordinated operations on May 6, 2026, under Operation Tiger Paw II.
In November 2025, Nigeria also witnessed a surge in mass kidnappings, with at least 145 people abducted within four days across Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara states. In one of the incidents, bandits attacked a government secondary school in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and abducting 25 schoolgirls.
Responding to concerns, Musa said those involved in kidnapping were motivated by greed and a desire for quick wealth rather than legitimate work.
“People need to understand that to make money, you must work very hard. Don’t look for shortcuts. Most of those taking part in kidnappings and related crimes are looking for shortcuts,” he said.
He also referenced a recent covert operation, saying Nigerian forces successfully eliminated a deputy ISIS commander after months of surveillance.
“The recent killing of that deputy ISIS commander was a painstaking operation that began since last year. We followed through, ensured we were certain of our target, and when we struck, we got them. That is what we are doing,” Musa said.
The minister added that cooperation from citizens had improved significantly, describing it as a key advantage in ongoing operations.
“The level of support we’re getting is far better than it used to be, and we’re making more inroads. Nigerians are working with us, and I want to appreciate them,” he said.
Musa further noted that Nigeria was strengthening international collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts, citing partnerships with the United States, Britain, France, Brazil, and Turkey.
“We are working with our partners, the Americans, the British, the French, all of them want Nigeria to succeed. They are bringing platforms we don’t have, and we are working together,” he said.
He cautioned that allowing terrorism to persist could have long-term consequences, referencing Turkey’s decades-long struggle against insurgency as an example.
“Do not allow asymmetric warfare to commence. Do not allow acts of terrorism to take root, it is extremely difficult to reverse. Look at Turkey. It took them 40 years, and it is only now that they are getting over it. We are learning from them, partnering with them, developing our special forces, and getting experience.
“We are also working with the French and the Brazilians. Everyone is putting hands on deck to ensure we achieve success,” Musa added.
