JOS, Nigeria — Armed bandits in Nigeria’s central Plateau State have kidnapped 28 people, including women and children, as they traveled to an annual Islamic event.
The incident underscores the growing threat of mass abductions that continue to challenge the country’s security apparatus.
The victims were traveling by bus between rural villages on Sunday night when gunmen intercepted them. Authorities have confirmed the attack and launched a large-scale search-and-rescue operation to recover the abductees.
Police spokesperson Alabo Alfred told this publication that security forces have “deployed assets to the affected region to ensure the safe return of the victims.”
Meanwhile, our journalists on the ground report that families have already received ransom demands from the kidnappers, highlighting the complex negotiation dynamics often surrounding these crimes.
Context of the insecurity
This abduction comes just 24 hours after the release of 130 schoolchildren and teachers from a previous mass kidnapping in neighboring Niger State.
While the northeastern region of Nigeria remains a hotspot for Islamist insurgency, central and northern states have increasingly fallen prey to “bandits” — highly mobile criminal gangs primarily motivated by profit.
Although paying ransoms is illegal, families often resort to it as a desperate measure to secure the release of loved ones.
Nigeria’s escalating insecurity has attracted international attention. In November, U.S. President Donald Trump controversially suggested military intervention, criticizing the government’s handling of attacks and alleging that Christian communities were being targeted, statements which the Nigerian government strongly denied.
On Monday, Information Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed that bilateral tensions with Washington had been largely resolved, emphasizing that Nigeria’s security strategy remains focused on protecting all citizens regardless of religion.
A new security strategy: Forest guards
To tackle the growing use of remote forests as hideouts, the government has announced a new tactical initiative: the deployment of specialized forest guards.
Also Read: Nigeria labels bandits as terrorists, launches $3.7bn ‘total war’ on crime
These units will supplement conventional military operations and are being specifically trained to navigate difficult terrains, track criminal movements, and secure areas historically used by bandit gangs.
The initiative reflects a broader recognition by Nigerian authorities that combining intelligence-led operations with community engagement is essential to curbing the ongoing wave of mass kidnappings.
