CISLAC condemns violent attacks, schoolchildren’s kidnappings

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the national chapter of Transparency International Nigeria on Saturday voiced strong concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, particularly the recurrence of attacks on schoolchildren and the strain on the country’s security institutions.

In a statement issued by CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International (Nigeria), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation warned that what he described as an “uncoordinated and politicised” security strategy by the government is deepening instability and leaving millions of citizens, especially children, exposed to avoidable danger.

Rafsanjani noted that the Nigerian Army remains heavily deployed across nearly all states despite constitutional provisions that place primary responsibility for internal security on the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).

He attributed security sector corruption,the overreliance on the military to years of neglect, inadequate equipment, weak welfare systems, and poor cooperation among security agencies, which he said have collectively weakened the country’s overall security response.

The CISLAC chief condemned the recent abductions in Kebbi State and the kidnapping of pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State, describing the attacks as direct assaults on education and the future of Nigerian children. He said the abductions further worsen the country’s troubling rate of out-of-school children and undermine children’s dignity and safety.

Rafsanjani also criticised what he called the diversion of police officers to politicians and private individuals at the expense of vulnerable communities and schools. He argued that the commercialisation of police roadblocks has turned security points into centres of extortion rather than zones of protection and urged the authorities to dismantle such roadblocks and redeploy officers to where they are genuinely needed.

Expressing concern about the increasing politicisation of law enforcement, he cited recent incidents in Abuja in which police officers were seen supporting rival political factions, as well as cases where large numbers of officers were assigned to individuals instead of communities. According to him, such developments reflect weakened police leadership and embolden irresponsible political behaviour.

CISLAC and Transparency International (Nigeria) called for comprehensive security sector reforms focused on accountability, intelligence gathering, upgraded equipment, improved welfare, professional conduct, and stronger interagency coordination. Rafsanjani also urged the government to adopt effective early warning and early response mechanisms, noting that many attacks occur despite clear warning signs.

He further questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria–US Bi-National Commission, a platform created to strengthen cooperation on security, governance, trade, and investment, arguing that Nigeria must address its internal governance and security gaps before expecting external partnerships to yield meaningful results.

Rafsanjani also criticised the growing trend of political defections and the elaborate celebrations often funded with public resources. He said such events demonstrate insensitivity at a time when many Nigerians are being kidnapped, displaced, or killed, and reflect a broader leadership failure.

The statement concluded with a call for coordinated action by the federal government, security agencies, community leaders, civil society organisations, and international partners to rescue abducted schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger States, prevent further attacks, and implement urgent reforms to restore professionalism in security operations and rebuild public trust.

Rafsanjani warned that Nigeria cannot continue to operate under weak and uncoordinated security structures, insisting that decisive action is necessary to protect the lives, dignity, and future of all citizens.

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