ADC Alleges Hidden Talks With Bandits, Slams FG’s Security Strategy

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Wednesday accused the Federal Government of “undermining the fight against insurgency” by allegedly engaging in secret negotiations with bandits responsible for mass kidnappings across Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The claim was made in a statement issued by the ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, during a party briefing in Abuja.

While the party welcomed the release of abducted worshippers in Kwara State and schoolchildren in Kebbi, it argued that the circumstances surrounding their freedom reveal serious flaws in the government’s security strategy.

“Although we are pleased that these citizens are finally reunited with their families, we reiterate our long-standing view that these abductions should never have occurred if the government had fulfilled its constitutional duties,” Abdullahi stated.

The ADC pointed to conflicting statements from senior federal officials, including the Inspector-General of Police and the Presidential spokesperson, raising questions about whether any concessions—monetary or otherwise—were made to secure the victims’ release.

The party warned that any negotiations, secret or public, risk strengthening criminal networks and fueling what it called a “banditry economy.” It further alleged that the return of bandits to communities shortly after their release reflects a strategy that only resets panic without addressing the root causes.

The ADC also criticized troop withdrawals preceding the Kebbi school abduction and cited other incidents at Unity Schools, highlighting that current security measures appear to sustain, rather than dismantle, insurgent structures.

Additionally, the party condemned the closure of 47 Federal Unity Schools, arguing that the move “emboldens extremist groups.”

In its recommendations, the ADC urged the Nigerian Senate to deploy Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel to federal schools, insisting that safeguarding learning spaces must extend beyond mere rhetoric. The party called for a strengthened internal security system for all Federal Unity Schools under national safety mandates.

Reinforcing its stance, the ADC demanded that the government guarantee the safety of every abducted child and take decisive action to reverse what it described as a weakening national security architecture.

“The more we capitulate, the more ground we lose as a nation,” the party warned, stressing that the safety of pupils must no longer be left to chance.