Kaduna Govt Rejects Kidnapping Report, Says Security Greatly Improved

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed as “false, mischievous and irresponsible” a report which ranked the state among the worst-hit by kidnapping incidents in Nigeria.

The report, credited to Lagos-based geopolitical research firm SB Morgen, claimed that no fewer than 629 persons were abducted in Kaduna between July 2024 and June 2025.

But in a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner-Designate, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, insisted the publication did not reflect the reality on the ground.

“The attention of the Kaduna State Government has been drawn to recent reports and commentaries regarding the security situation in the state. The publication by SB Morgen alleging that 629 persons were abducted within the period is false and mischievous,” the statement read in part.

Maiyaki described the figures as a figment of the imagination of its authors, accusing them of attempting to discredit the “Kaduna Peace Model,” which he said had been endorsed by security agencies and critical stakeholders.

According to him, Governor Uba Sani’s security framework has restored stability across flashpoint areas, enabling the recovery of over 500,000 hectares of arable land once abandoned due to insecurity.

“Today, farmers in these areas have returned to their farms, while the livestock markets in Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas, which were shut down for over a decade, have reopened, thereby boosting the economic fortunes of the people,” Maiyaki said.

The government further urged residents to disregard the report, cautioning the media and research bodies against “sensational publications that could undermine the morale of security personnel working tirelessly to protect our communities.”

Also speaking on the security situation, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu, revealed that in April alone, security forces carried out 34 operations, leading to the arrest of 54 high-profile suspects and the rescue of more than 75 kidnap victims.

He added that several criminal hideouts had been destroyed, with prosecutions ongoing to ensure justice for victims.

Shuaibu also pointed to the government’s non-kinetic efforts, including the creation of the Kaduna Peace Dialogue Group, which offers a platform for negotiation and reintegration of repentant bandits.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens remain paramount. We therefore call on the public to disregard the purported kidnapping ranking, and instead focus on fostering vigilance, resilience, security and sustainable peace in our dear state,” he said.