January 25, 2026 — Dalena Reporters
Former presidential candidate Gbenga Hashim has accused the Federal Government of Nigeria and elements within the country’s security apparatus of complicity in the recent spate of kidnappings, particularly the mass abduction of more than 170 people in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, asserting that official denial and suppression of information have undermined efforts to address insecurity.
Hashim made the remarks in response to the Kajuru kidnapping incident, which security authorities initially denied before later acknowledging the mass abduction.
According to him, the initial denial of the incident exposed a disturbing pattern in Nigeria’s security management, where truth is treated as a liability rather than a foundation for an effective response to terrorism and mass kidnappings.
“No matter the level of international action against terrorism, Nigeria will not get results as long as local authorities are compromised and complicit,” Hashim said.
He described the handling of the Kajuru abduction as a “calculated attempt to erase a crime,” warning that suppression of information and official intimidation of affected communities have contributed to worsening insecurity.
Hashim also raised concerns over the alleged intimidation of victims’ communities, saying that residents are often pressured into silence instead of receiving protection and support from authorities.
He linked the troubling trend to increased international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation following United States airstrikes on terrorist targets in northern Nigeria on Christmas Day, saying that subsequent attacks including some in Kebbi State where at least nine people were reportedly killed were underreported and suppressed by officials.
Hashim criticised the federal government’s response to the U.S. military action, accusing the administration of failing to follow up with coordinated ground operations to dismantle terrorist networks and intercept insurgents attempting to flee across borders into Niger Republic.
He argued that failure to deploy ground forces after the strikes was a missed strategic opportunity and raised serious questions about the intent and priorities within Nigeria’s security apparatus.
“Nigeria’s insecurity is no longer just about capacity, funding, or intelligence,” Hashim said. “It is increasingly about intent and accountability.