By Kofoworola Fakeye, JKNewsMedia Reporter
KIDNAPPING OF 279 persons and the killing of 842 people across Nigeria in May 2026 was recorded in figures from Nextier’s Nigeria Violent Conflicts Database.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the data recorded 156 violent incidents during the month and showed an increase in insecurity compared with May 2025.
Violent incidents rose by 51.5 percent, casualties increased by 90.1 percent and kidnap victims climbed by 19.7 percent.
The figures come amid concerns over the spread of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and communal violence in parts of the country.
The report also comes as the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives raised concerns over budget implementation, warning that underfunding of security agencies could affect efforts against violent crime.
Spokesman of the caucus, Afam Victor Ogene, said defence and security related Ministries, Departments and Agencies had recorded less than 30 percent budget implementation despite rising security threats.
The lawmakers said poor funding was affecting military operations, logistics and the broader campaign against insurgency, banditry and kidnapping.
They also said the Federal Government (FG) must account for funds appropriated for critical security agencies and added that the matter would be raised when the House resumes plenary.
President of the Nigeria Society for Criminology (NSC), Professor Oludayo Tade, urged President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts to secure the country and protect Nigerians.
Tade said Nigerians must be able to travel, attend school and live in their communities without fear of abduction or attack.
He also called for stronger action against terrorists, kidnappers and their collaborators, as well as improved welfare for security personnel involved in counter insurgency operations.
Also, Nextier analysts Jamilu Musa and Dr Chukwuma Okoli said peacebuilding programmes in fragile communities must be measured by outcomes rather than meetings, workshops or awareness campaigns.
They said the true test of peacebuilding is whether communities become safer, more inclusive and more resilient in the face of persistent threats.
The analysts also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, humanitarian actors, development partners and peacebuilding organisations.
Meanwhile, unconfirmed media reports from Oyo State also indicated that 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers from Ahoro Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area could regain their freedom within hours.
Troops were reported to have blocked possible escape routes to the National Park where the victims had been held since 15 May 2026.
Media reports note that multiple sources disclosed that troops and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation had surrounded a hideout within the National Park forest area in Oyo State where the abducted pupils and teachers were believed to be held.
The security sources further said the terrorists had been “effectively contained within the forest”, with security operatives blocking possible escape routes and restricting their movement with the hostages.
They also noted that the terrorists had reportedly resorted to desperate tactics, including the killing of one of the abducted teachers, following mounting pressure and the likelihood of capture.
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