Former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, has raised concerns that armed groups responsible for the recent wave of school kidnappings in northern Nigeria may be abducting children as human shields, following recent warnings issued by United States President Donald Trump.
Gana issued the warning on Saturday at a reception in Abuja held to celebrate the elevation of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairman of the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The event also doubled as a fundraising dinner for the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations’ national secretariat.
Speaking at the event, Gana said the sudden resurgence of school abductions could be tied to heightened fears among bandit groups that foreign powers may soon launch targeted strikes.
According to him, “It is extremely worrying for elders, statesmen, and fathers of this nation to see young ones abducted repeatedly. Someone called me earlier today saying it seems the bandits are taking the warning from the President of the United States seriously. It appears they are now mobilising human shields to protect themselves.
“Those close to the security agencies should inform them — the bandits know they are being targeted.”
Gana added that the pattern and geography of recent attacks indicate that the kidnappers are retreating deeper into forest hideouts, anticipating possible aerial operations.
“They fear they are going to be targeted from the air, and that is why they feel the need to grab a few people to use as human shields,” he stressed.
He urged the Nigerian government to strengthen cooperation with international partners, noting that modern technology has advanced to a point where precise aerial targeting is possible.
“Technology has gone very far. You can be targeted from the air. And these people need to be targeted,” he said.
Hobnob News could not independently verify the authenticity of Gana’s claims.
Rising Global Attention
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Information Idris Mohammed revealed that several international media organisations had contacted him for updates regarding the recent abductions in Kebbi and Niger States — a sign of growing global concern over Nigeria’s insecurity.
“As I was seated, I received text messages from international press organisations requesting confirmation of the exact number of people kidnapped in Agwara,” Idris said.
He assured that the federal government is working tirelessly to secure the release of all abducted students, emphasising President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to restoring peace.
“My response to them is that while we are counting those kidnapped, work is ongoing to secure their release. And they will be released very soon, by God’s grace,” he stated.
The minister also appealed to Nigerians to refrain from portraying the country negatively on international platforms, insisting that economic indicators are improving and that insecurity is not targeted at any single region.
Praise for Customs Boss
Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite described Adeniyi’s global elevation as a significant boost to Nigeria’s influence in international trade governance, commending ongoing reforms in revenue generation and digital transformation within the Nigeria Customs Service.
NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku applauded Adeniyi as a dedicated, hardworking administrator whose global recognition reflects professionalism and resilience.
International Warnings Intensify
Global attention on Nigeria intensified this week after US Congressman Riley Moore described the violence in Northern Nigeria as “escalating out of control,” adding that he believes it is now a genocide.
Moore warned that persistent attacks could trigger a response from Washington, stating that President Trump had made it clear he would act if the Nigerian government fails to halt the killings.
The US lawmaker met with a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, where discussions focused on counterterrorism strategies and the protection of vulnerable communities.
The warnings follow recent abductions, including Monday’s attack at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, where at least 24 students were taken. Similar kidnappings also occurred in Niger State.
President Trump recently declared that Christianity faces “an existential threat” in Nigeria and warned that a US response could be “fast, vicious, and sweet” if the violence continues.
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