The statements made by Adewole Adebayo will be heard by a large number of Nigerians who are starting to perceive the insecurity crisis as a consequence of more fundamental institutional venality and not the activity of criminal gangs.
His claim that the government is in conspiracy with him sounds to normal people like a long-simmering frustration years in the making: how does all this mass kidnapping happen despite all the money spent on security, all the different agencies involved, and all the presidential orders given?
When one is able to transport hundreds of children in broad daylight without being caught fast, then people automatically assume internal sabotage or neglect, or both. The sentiments expressed by Adebayo can be echoed in the market, church, mosque, and social media: there is no possibility that such widespread operations go on continuously without influential players turning a blind eye or making off-balance-sheet gains.
His argument on ransom payment is another aspect that most of the Nigerians can hardly argue against. How can the kidnappers transfer millions of naira without any questions in a country where basic bank transfers are treated with delay? The ease with which criminal groups can conduct their activities undermines the concept of trust in the society, and it strengthens the belief that there is a decline in the principle of governance.
Adebayo will strike a chord with the Nigerians on his critique that the state is not powerless but only seems to be so when the common citizens are in danger. It is this inconsistency that breeds the notion that insecurity exists not due to the non-existence of capacity within the government but rather due to lack of intent, coordination, or integrity within the government apparatus.
The Nigerians now desire accountability, which is supported by a concrete and visible action. The government should reform its intelligence system, screen rotten officers, reinforce local policing, and introduce technology much more aggressively between air surveillance and community-wide warning platforms.
More to the point, Abuja will have to be transparent and consistent in communication, as Nigerians no longer trust in the silent operations and backdoor dealings. The confidence can be restored in case the government is able to regain the power by being honest, reforming decisively, and collaborating with the community.
But these are the steps and conditions on which Adebayo will go on accumulating weight, not because he has ever made the charges, but because lived reality is ever confirming him.
