The Kebbi and Kwara state abductions and subsequent rescue expose a troubling pattern in Nigeria's insecurity crisis: celebrating rescued victims while the very criminals terrorising communities remain untouched, unbothered, and increasingly emboldened.
Development Diaries reports that the presidency recently announced the release of schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State last Monday.
Additionally, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga stated that the girls, along with another group of students freed in Niger State and 38 worshippers from Kwara, were released without any ransom being paid.
While the release of abducted citizens is applaudable, in reality, it exposes the growing boldness of kidnappers and the shrinking capacity of the state to enforce consequences.
Celebrating the return of victims without apprehending the perpetrators is like applauding a burglar for kindly returning the TV, which says little about justice and even less about deterrence.
Until those responsible are arrested, prosecuted, and incapacitated, any so-called victory remains incomplete and unconvincing.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted the federal government's handling of abductors and believes President Bola Tinubu's administration is treating the kidnappers with kid gloves.
Atiku's criticism adds to the widespread concern that the government appears to be managing insecurity with soft gloves, preferring negotiation and quiet settlements over decisive action that dismantles criminal networks.
When kidnappers can 'walk away untouched', it signals to the public and to other criminals that Nigeria's security architecture has become predictable, slow, and reactive.
This weakens public trust and creates a cycle where criminals keep getting smarter than the agencies meant to stop them, turning insecurity into a constant loop of kidnappings, releases, and new attacks.
Furthermore, the claim by the Presidency that the security agencies were tracking the abductors 'in real time' raises more questions than answers.
If real-time intelligence existed, why weren't arrests made? Why were the abductors allowed to retreat, regroup, and strike again?
As it stands, another incident has hit Kwara State, as at least 11 residents were reportedly kidnapped recently in Isapa, a neighbouring community in Ekiti local government area, barely one week after 38 worshippers of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, Eruku, were abducted and later released.
These gaps feed the suspicion of complicity, negligence, or, at minimum, a dangerous overreliance on negotiation rather than enforcement.
A government cannot claim strength while criminals dictate the rhythm of national security; it cannot claim effectiveness when accountability is absent at the most critical moment.
Nigeria cannot keep applauding momentary relief while the root problem persists. The true measure of progress is not just in freeing abductees but in ensuring kidnappers face the full weight of the law.
President Bola Tinubu and security agencies must shift from celebratory press statements to decisive security operations, intelligence-led arrests, strengthened interagency coordination, and transparent accountability.
The message must be clear: no criminal group should feel emboldened or immune. It is time for the federal government to restore deterrence, rebuild public trust, and prove through action, not rhetoric, that Nigeria will no longer negotiate its safety.