Growing Fears Emerge As Former Information Minister Jerry Gana Warns Kidnapped School Children May Be Used As Human Shields

 

A fresh wave of alarm has been triggered across security circles and political platforms after former Information Minister Prof. Jerry Gana cautioned that recent mass abductions of school children in Northern Nigeria may be part of a wider strategy by armed groups to protect themselves from possible foreign attacks. His comments came during a ceremony in Abuja honouring Nigeria Customs Service Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi for clinching the chairmanship of the World Customs Organisation.

A sense of urgency filled Gana’s remarks as he revealed that he had received a phone call shortly before the event suggesting that criminal networks may be reacting to threats reportedly made by United States President Donald Trump. According to him, the pattern of kidnappings indicates that the groups believe an aerial offensive could soon be directed at their hideouts.

A stark warning followed. Gana stressed that the surge in abductions should deeply concern national leaders, elder statesmen, security experts, and community influencers who understand the gravity of insurgent tactics. He suggested that the geography of the attacks, especially their concentration around hard to access forest zones, points to a deliberate attempt by the kidnappers to merge into territories where they feel shielded by the presence of civilians.

A further appeal was made to the Federal Government to intensify collaboration with international partners. Gana argued that modern warfare technologies have advanced so far that precision targeting is now possible without deploying ground forces. He insisted that Nigeria must embrace any form of assistance that can help neutralize armed groups that continue to torment rural communities.

A separate revelation came from the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, who said international media organisations had been mounting pressure on his office, demanding updates on kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger states. He assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu had already issued urgent directives aimed at fast tracking the rescue of abducted students.

A call for restraint accompanied his update. Mohammed urged Nigerians to avoid exaggerating or amplifying insecurity narratives on the global stage, emphasizing that such actions could damage diplomatic relations and worsen public anxiety. He dismissed claims that violence was targeted at a single region, noting that insecurity affects multiple areas of the country.

A moment of national pride also emerged during the event. Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka Anite, praised Adeniyi’s rise to the WCO leadership, calling it evidence of Nigeria’s increasing influence in international trade ecosystems. NIPR President Ike Neliaku echoed the sentiment, describing Adeniyi as a dedicated and result driven public servant.

A deeper geopolitical dimension surfaced later in the conversation as attention shifted to Washington, where Congressman Riley Moore claimed that attacks on Christian communities in Northern Nigeria constituted an unfolding genocide. His comments came after a meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and a Nigerian delegation to discuss counterterrorism cooperation.

A troubling backdrop surrounds these developments. The region has witnessed several school abductions, including the kidnapping of at least 24 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. Another set of children was also seized in Niger State, reinforcing concerns that criminal gangs are escalating their operations.

A tense atmosphere now hovers over the nation as officials, diplomats, and security strategists weigh the implications of Gana’s warning and await clearer signals from the international community.