By Otitoju Otitoju
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has cautioned political actors against politicising the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, urging security agencies to prioritise rescue operations and strengthen the country’s security framework.
Falana made the call on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he criticised statements by some political figures he said were attempting to attribute the kidnappings to opponents without evidence.
He described such claims as dangerous and capable of worsening tensions around the incident.
“A minister and a former governor are currently inciting people in Oyo State by politicising the tragedy of our people,” Falana said, adding that anyone making allegations should report them to security agencies.
“How can anybody in their right senses say, ‘I know it was a state government that kidnapped the children’? If you know this, go to the police or the State Security Service and lodge a complaint,” he added.
Falana also urged the Federal Government to improve funding, motivation, and operational capacity of security agencies, including the police and armed forces, to better respond to rising insecurity.
He criticised renewed debates over the creation of state police, arguing that existing security structures had not been properly supported or coordinated.
“We do not have a federal government police; we have a federal police. That is why it is called the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.
Falana further noted that the Nigerian Police Council, which is constitutionally responsible for overseeing the police, had not functioned effectively since 1999, despite the inclusion of all state governors.
He pointed out that several states already operate local security outfits such as the Amotekun Corps, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Civilian Joint Task Force in Borno State, arguing that the focus should be on strengthening these existing structures rather than creating new ones without proper funding.
The lawyer also raised concerns about the capacity of security personnel to confront armed criminal groups, stressing the need for improved equipment and coordination in ongoing security operations.
The remarks come amid heightened national concern following recent mass kidnappings in Oyo and Borno states, which have triggered public outrage and renewed policy discussions on security reforms in Nigeria.
