LAGOS, Nigeria — Content creator and singer Nasboi has criticized the government’s response to kidnapping and violent crimes, arguing that bandits appear to have greater online visibility than the authorities meant to stop them.
In a video posted on Facebook Monday, Nasboi reacted to footage released by kidnappers holding schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State. The victims were abducted May 15 from schools in Oriire Local Government Area, sparking nationwide concern. President Bola Tinubu has since ordered the deployment of security personnel to secure their release.
Speaking from captivity in the kidnappers’ video, Rachael Alamu, a school principal, warned that military operations had agitated the abductors, who threatened to harm the victims if security forces moved on their location. She urged the government to negotiate with the kidnappers.
Nasboi said the government must respond more forcefully to kidnapping for ransom and similar crimes, noting that bandits freely use social media to spread violent content. “The video of the beheaded teacher is all over the internet. The bandits themselves are using the internet to spread these videos. They record, upload, and circulate them without fear. And their phones have IP. At this point, they even seem to have better online visibility than the authorities meant to stop them. Wow,” he said.
He added that as commander in chief, Tinubu should be able to bring a swift end to banditry and kidnapping. “Unless allegedly…the bandits are stronger than our military,” he said. Nasboi urged the Federal Government not to hesitate to seek external assistance if necessary to combat the menace.
His remarks reflect growing frustration among Nigerians over the persistence of mass abductions and the ability of armed groups to broadcast their activities online. The Oyo incident has reignited debate over whether negotiation or military action offers the best path to securing victims’ release.
On social media, Nasboi’s comments drew strong reactions. One user wrote: “He’s saying what many of us feel. How can criminals post videos freely while the government struggles to communicate?” Another added: “It’s embarrassing that bandits trend more than our leaders. This is a failure of security and communication.”
Supporters of the government pushed back, arguing that rescue operations should not be judged by online visibility. “The military doesn’t need to trend; they need to act. Nasboi is oversimplifying a complex issue,” one commenter said. Others urged patience, noting that security agencies often avoid publicizing sensitive operations.
Still, many Nigerians echoed Nasboi’s frustration. “We are tired of hashtags and promises. If the government cannot protect schools, what hope is left?” a parent posted. Another user summed up the mood: “Bandits should not be allowed to own the internet. It makes them look stronger than the state.”
