As Nigeria commemorates the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned that the country’s worsening insecurity poses a serious threat to democracy, the rule of law, and the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday to mark Democracy Day, CAPPA urged the Federal Government to treat insecurity as a national emergency, stressing that no democratic system can thrive when citizens live under the constant threat of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, communal violence, and other forms of criminality.
CAPPA’s Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said the growing insecurity across the country has undermined citizens’ ability to travel, engage in business, send their children to school, cultivate farms, and participate fully in democratic processes.
“Democracy cannot thrive where people are afraid to travel on highways, send their children to school, cultivate their farms, operate businesses, or participate in elections,” Ibeh stated.
The organisation expressed concern over the continued rise in kidnapping-for-ransom incidents nationwide, noting that mass abductions, including attacks on schools and educational institutions, remain a significant threat to national development.
Citing available statistics, CAPPA said at least 4,722 people were abducted in 997 kidnapping incidents recorded between July 2024 and June 2025, while no fewer than 762 persons lost their lives in kidnapping-related incidents during the same period. The group further noted that Nigerians paid an estimated N2.57 billion in ransom to kidnappers within the year under review.
The organisation described as particularly disturbing the persistent targeting of children, women, and young girls, many of whom remain in captivity for prolonged periods under traumatic conditions.
According to CAPPA, videos circulating on social media showing kidnapped victims being beaten, tortured, humiliated, and compelled to appeal for ransom payments highlight the severe human cost of the country’s security challenges.
“No Nigerian should have to plead for their life before a camera while criminal groups operate with impunity. No parent should have to endure the agony of not knowing whether a kidnapped child will return home alive. These tragedies represent a profound failure of the state’s most fundamental responsibility, which is the protection of life and property,” Ibeh said.
CAPPA called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward securing the release of all Nigerians currently held captive and ensuring that perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
The organisation also urged authorities to improve communication with citizens regarding rescue efforts and measures being taken to prevent future attacks, arguing that inadequate official information has contributed to public anxiety and feelings of abandonment among affected families.
While acknowledging the need for operational discretion in security matters, CAPPA said Nigerians deserve reassurance that every available resource is being deployed to secure the release of abducted persons.
The group further warned that persistent insecurity could negatively affect voter turnout and civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Citizens who fear violence are less likely to engage in civic activities or turn out to vote. Communities displaced by insecurity face additional barriers to electoral participation. A democracy cannot be considered fully representative when large numbers of citizens are effectively excluded by fear and insecurity,” the organisation stated.
To address the situation, CAPPA advocated increased investment in intelligence gathering, community policing, early warning systems, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities. It also called for improved welfare for security personnel and more effective prosecution of criminal networks.
The organisation further urged governments at all levels to tackle the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, youth unemployment, corruption, weak institutions, environmental degradation, resource conflicts, and social exclusion.
CAPPA maintained that the essence of June 12 lies in affirming the sovereignty of the people and that such a promise becomes meaningless when citizens are unable to live, work, learn, and participate in public life without fear.
According to the group, defending democracy requires protecting the lives and dignity of Nigerians through decisive action to rescue victims, dismantle criminal networks, and restore public confidence in government institutions. :::
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