Militarize Nigeria’s Forests and Harden Borders to End Kidnappings

I’ll tell you the truth. In Oyo state, children have been missing for a month, a maths teacher was beheaded, and a toddler was abducted. The federal government’s response has been limited to coordination, meetings, and press releases. Our forests are ungoverned. Criminals roam unchecked in Omo Forest with hostages for months. We need a militarized forest service—armed soldiers using drones and thermal cameras with orders to shoot—stationed across every major corridor. We must harden borders with surveillance, barriers, and a capable fighting force rather than plain customs officials. We should trace the sponsors: follow the arms shipments, expose and prosecute the politicians or officials involved. Change the hostage policy so terrorists know no negotiation is possible, even at the risk of losing hostages. Only then will kidnappers lose their incentive. If we fail now, kidnappings will spread to Lagos, Abuja, and beyond. Ending this requires a government ready to accept short-term pain for long-term peace.

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