Senator Garba Maidoki of Kebbi South has revealed that security agencies already possess detailed intelligence on the bandit groups responsible for the rising wave of kidnappings across northern Nigeria. He questioned why the attacks continue despite this knowledge.
Speaking during Wednesday’s Senate plenary on the worsening insecurity in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states, Maidoki expressed concern that actionable intelligence has not led to meaningful intervention.
The senator, whose district recently saw the release of 24 abducted schoolgirls, said their freedom brought him both relief and concern.
“I am very happy and sad at the same time,” he said. “Happy that the 24 girls from Maga in my constituency have been released safely, without being harmed.”
He then raised critical questions about the failure to stop persistent bandit operations.
“We know who the bandits are. We know where they operate. We know what they want. What else are we waiting for? If negotiation is the plan, then complete it. If we are going to fight them, then fight to the end,” he said.
Maidoki also demanded answers regarding the withdrawal of soldiers from Maga Primary School shortly before the abduction incident.
“What Nigerians want to know is: who withdrew the soldiers, and on whose instruction? If we don’t uncover the truth, these attacks will continue,” he added.
His comments follow renewed security crises across the region. In Kwara State, 38 members of the Christ Apostolic Church were abducted and later released. In Niger State, over 200 students of a Catholic school were kidnapped, though about 50 managed to escape.
