HURIWA warned against politicizing the situation of insecurity in Nigeria

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has warned against what they describe as the politicization of insecurity in the country, and warned that the lives of citizens should not be treated as instruments of political communication or propaganda.

The group said the deteriorating security situation, marked by repeated kidnappings, terrorist attacks and violent attacks in several states, reflects failures that demand an urgent and honest response rather than political rhetoric.

In a statement on Thursday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA expressed particular concern over the continued kidnapping of school children in Oyo and Borno states, and described the situation as a national embarrassment and humanitarian crisis.

The report notes that more than a month after the kidnapping, the inability of security agencies to secure the release of the victims raises serious questions about operational effectiveness and coordination.

“It is heartbreaking that while parents, relatives and concerned Nigerians agonize daily over the fate of these young victims, those entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding lives and property appear incapable of providing convincing answers or concrete results,” the group said.

Additionally, HURIWA said continued violent attacks and kidnappings across the country show that current security strategies are not delivering measurable results, adding that public trust in the system continues to erode.

The group criticized what they said was a pattern of official responses dominated by political statements and messages rather than concrete operational results. The group regrets that schools are becoming increasingly vulnerable to armed groups, and children are exposed to avoidable dangers, highlighting weaknesses in preventive security arrangements.

Therefore, HURIWA warns that the government’s inability to rescue abductees could strengthen criminal networks and deepen the culture of impunity.

They also dislike what they describe as a lack of accountability in the security leadership structure, despite repeated incidents of violence and kidnapping, stating that, “in functioning democracies, persistent security failures have consequences.

The group insists that security performance must be judged based on results, not promises, and asserts that the increasing frequency of attacks requires a review of existing strategies and leadership structures.

HURIWA therefore calls on the federal government to provide transparent reports to Nigerians on the security situation, including data on deaths, kidnappings and displacement since the current administration took office.

They also urged the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight of security spending and operations, ensuring that funds allocated for defense and intelligence are used properly.

According to HURIWA, the emergence of a “ransom-driven criminal economy,” where kidnapping has become a sustainable source of income for armed groups, further undermines national stability and public trust.