Kaduna Govt Faults Report Ranking State High on Kidnapping Incidents
Kaduna – The Kaduna State Government has faulted a report which ranked the state among those with the highest cases of kidnapping in Nigeria, describing the publication as false, mischievous, and irresponsible.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Information and signed by the Commissioner-Designate, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, the government dismissed a report attributed to SB Morgen which alleged that 629 persons were abducted in Kaduna between July 2024 and June 2025.
“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 said.
Maiyaki described the report as a figment of the imagination of its authors, aimed at discrediting the Kaduna Peace Model, which, according to him, has been adjudged by security agencies, stakeholders, and international partners as a successful template in restoring peace and security.
He explained that Governor Uba Sani’s peace and security initiative had led to the recovery of over 500,000 hectares of arable land across communities previously deserted due to insecurity. He added that farmers had returned to their farms, while the livestock markets in Birnin Gwari and Giwa local government areas—shut down for over a decade—have now reopened, boosting the state’s economic fortunes.
The statement urged citizens to disregard the ranking, stressing that it does not reflect the current security reality in Kaduna. It also cautioned against sensational publications, warning that such reports risk undermining the morale of security personnel working tirelessly to safeguard lives and property.
Quoting the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu (SAN), the government said that in April alone, 34 security operations were carried out, leading to the arrest of 54 high-profile suspects and the rescue of over 75 kidnap victims.
Dr. Shuaibu further disclosed that several criminal hideouts had been dismantled, with prosecutions ongoing to ensure justice.
He added that the administration’s non-kinetic approaches, including the Kaduna Peace Dialogue Group, have provided platforms for negotiation and reintegration of repentant bandits who surrendered their weapons.
“The reopening of the Kara livestock market in Birnin Gwari and the Giwa market, closed for over 10 years due to insecurity, alongside increased agricultural yields, are milestone achievements of the Kaduna Peace Model,” Dr. Shuaibu stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and security, the government assured residents that the safety and well-being of citizens remain paramount.
“We call on the public to disregard the purported kidnapping ranking and focus on fostering vigilance, resilience, security and sustainable peace in our dear state,” the statement concluded.
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