By Daniel Okonkwo
Apo Mechanic is arguably one of the largest auto spare parts hubs in Nigeria. Buyers and mechanics from various northern states flock to the area for automobile parts and repairs. But beyond its bustling commerce, Apo Mechanic also serves as a residential enclave—popularly known as Apo Mechanic Estate.
However, last week turned grim for one of its residents, who was kidnapped from his home in the early hours of the weekend. According to the victim, the kidnappers—who came in groups—initially tried to break down the door but failed. They eventually gained access through the window, spending over three hours attempting to enter his apartment. This incident, though alarming, is not isolated.
Recent headlines paint a dire picture for Abuja residents: “Armed Men Disguised as Vigilantes Kidnap Family of Three in Abuja,” “The Rising Insecurity in Abuja,” “Armed Men Invade Abuja Home, Kidnap Family of Four.” The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), once seen as a symbol of security and governance, has become a hotspot for kidnappings, with many residents feeling abandoned by security agencies.
As one resident put it: “Kidnapping is taking place in almost every village in Abuja. And it’s underreported. Everyone is even tired of it all.” The growing frequency of such attacks reflects a worsening security crisis.
On Sunday, January 26, bandits attacked the Chikakore community in Kubwa and abducted five residents. Similarly, the Dawaki community was invaded by terrorists—numbering around 50—who kidnapped approximately 20 people. Earlier this year, in Shere, a community in the Bwari area, local leaders imposed an unofficial curfew. Residents were warned not to ply the bumpy road to Mpape town after 5 p.m. due to frequent abductions by criminal gangs.
The police have recorded some successes: rescuing at least 22 kidnapped victims from Abuja suburbs, including a naval officer and two others. Yet, these victories are dwarfed by the scale and audacity of the attacks. A Chief Superintendent of Police, Modestus Ojiebe, was kidnapped along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway and later rescued in Nasarawa. In response to the worsening situation, hundreds of residents have taken to the streets in protest, partially blocking highways and demanding urgent government intervention.
Abuja’s growing insecurity has become a cause for national concern. Between 2022 to date alone, over 3,620 people were abducted in 600 incidents across Nigeria, with an estimated ₦5 billion paid in ransoms, according to Intelligence gathering. Since 2019, there have been over 735 mass abductions—illustrating the scale and consistency of the crisis.
Perhaps the most chilling indicator of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity is the recent kidnapping of a former NYSC Director-General and decorated Army General by Fulani herdsmen. Despite a staggering ₦180 million ransom paid by his family, he was held for weeks as his captors mocked and taunted his loved ones. Though he has since been released, the implications are grave: ₦180 million has landed in the hands of criminals—enough to arm a small militia and finance future acts of terror.
If a retired General can be abducted in broad daylight, surrounded by security personnel, what hope is there for the average Nigerian? The message is clear: no one is safe. The silence and seeming normalization of these incidents are deeply troubling.
Nigeria must confront this reality with urgency. The nation’s security architecture must be restructured, and actionable measures taken to restore trust and safety. This level of insecurity is not just alarming—it is unacceptable. Abuja, the heart of the nation, must not be left to fall into chaos. The time to act is now—before more lives are shattered.
