Abuja, Nigeria — December 2, 2025
A prominent human rights lawyer, Adamu Kabiru Adamu, Esq., has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the growing wave of insecurity ravaging Northern Nigeria, insisting that victims who were forced to pay ransoms due to state security failures deserve compensation from the Federal Government.
In an open letter addressed to the President, Adamu described the escalating cases of banditry, kidnappings, and insurgency as a “grave threat to national stability.” He expressed concern that the inability of security agencies to curb the crisis has left thousands of citizens vulnerable and financially devastated.
The lawyer also raised alarm over reports that some Northern state governors have been engaging in negotiations with bandit groups. According to him, such practices—though often justified as attempts to reduce attacks—violate constitutional responsibilities and embolden criminal elements.
“The engagement of state officials in informal negotiations with bandits undermines public confidence, weakens federal authority, and risks legitimizing criminal activity,” he wrote.
Adamu cited Sections 33 and 44 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the right to life and protection of property, stressing that the government has a constitutional duty to safeguard citizens.
Call for Compensation Mechanism
One of the most striking demands in the letter is the creation of a federal compensation or refund scheme for victims who paid ransoms to secure the release of abducted family members.
He argued that many Nigerians have been pushed into debt, poverty, and psychological trauma as a result of negotiating with criminals — a situation he attributes to gaps in Nigeria’s security architecture.
Other Key Recommendations
Adamu urged President Tinubu to:
• Strengthen coordinated security operations across the North to confront banditry and kidnapping;
• Hold state officials accountable for actions taken outside constitutional boundaries;
• Work closely with Northern Elders and Traditional Rulers to promote community-based solutions, intelligence gathering, and public awareness campaigns.
He emphasized that decisive federal action is essential for restoring public trust and reaffirming the government’s commitment to the rule of law.
“The legitimacy of governance rests fundamentally on its ability to protect citizens,” he noted.
The letter ends with a plea for urgent, transparent steps to address the worsening situation and reassure Nigerians that the government remains committed to securing lives and property.
— End —
