Oyo abduction: Mumuni demands urgent security reforms, warns against fake news

Renowned security expert and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, has called for an urgent review and strengthening of Nigeria’s security architecture amid rising insecurity across the country.

He also cautioned against the spread of fake news, inflammatory comments, and divisive rhetoric, warning that such actions could undermine national unity and distract from efforts to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

Mumuni’s remarks come as protests continue in parts of Oyo State and across the country over the abduction of schoolchildren, with concerned parents, residents, and civil society groups demanding swift action from government and security agencies.

The incident has heightened fears nationwide, as kidnappings, banditry, and other violent crimes continue to pose significant threats to lives and property.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Rasheed Abubakar, the APC stalwart described the persistent wave of kidnappings and abductions as a national crisis affecting families and communities across every region of the country.

“On a matter that weighs heavily on the conscience of our nation, the persistent threat of kidnapping and abductions continues to affect families across every region of Nigeria.

“The scourge of kidnapping is not a localised challenge. No state, community, or family remains untouched by this crisis. I recognise the anguish of parents, the trauma of communities, and the collective anxiety that grips our nation. These are our citizens, our children, our future,” Mumuni stated.

The security expert urged Nigerians to remain patient and continue supporting security agencies despite growing public frustration over recurring incidents of abductions and violent attacks.

According to him, security forces are confronting highly organised criminal and terrorist networks whose operations require strategic responses and sustained efforts.

“I call for patience and sustained commitment from Nigerians toward our security forces. The adversaries they face are not mere criminals but organised terrorist cells with sophisticated networks and distributed operations targeting vulnerable populations. The complexity of these threats demands time, strategy and unwavering resolve,” he said.

Mumuni also called on security personnel to intensify efforts to rescue victims, prevent future attacks and maintain accountability and transparency in their operations.

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He appealed to political leaders, social commentators, media practitioners and citizens to exercise restraint in public discussions on security matters, warning that fake news and inflammatory statements could worsen tensions and weaken national cohesion.

“I also appeal for responsible discourse. While constructive criticism strengthens institutions, inflammatory and venomous statements undermine national unity and distract from solutions. Your platforms carry influence; use them to inform, unite and inspire rather than inflame,” he said.

The APC chieftain stressed the need for empathy toward affected families, noting that national conversations should focus on supporting victims rather than exploiting tragedies for political gain.

“Let us show genuine concern for affected families. Our words and actions must reflect empathy, not political calculation. The families of the kidnapped deserve our immediate attention and support,” he added.

Mumuni maintained that the current security situation requires urgent reforms and a comprehensive reassessment of existing government strategies.

“This moment demands urgent action. Existing government mechanisms require comprehensive review and strengthening. Enhanced intelligence networks, improved resource allocation, stronger inter-agency coordination and deeper community engagement must be prioritised immediately,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering, adequate funding, stronger collaboration among security agencies and active community participation in addressing insecurity across the country.

Describing national security as a collective responsibility, Mumuni urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities to relevant authorities and maintain confidence in the country’s ability to overcome its security challenges.

“National security is a shared responsibility. I call on all Nigerians to support one another, report suspicious activities and maintain faith in our collective capacity to overcome this challenge,” he stated.

His statement comes at a time when concerns over kidnappings, attacks on schools and other security threats continue to dominate public discourse, with many Nigerians calling for more decisive measures to safeguard lives and property across the country.