By Muhammad Mamman
A man claiming to be a commander of one of Nigeria’s armed bandit groups has issued a startling threat to kidnap President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several state governors, according to a viral video circulated widely on social media and reported by local outlet Politics Nigeria.
In the undated video, the armed man—surrounded by fighters in a forested area—accuses the federal and state governments of failing to fulfil alleged agreements with bandit factions operating in the country’s northwest. He warns that his group is “ready to escalate operations,” including what he describes as “high-profile kidnappings.”
Nigerian authorities have not yet issued an official response to the video, and Al Jazeera cannot independently verify the identity of the speaker, the authenticity of the video, or the extent of the threat.
Kidnappings for ransom have surged across northern Nigeria in recent years, with armed groups—commonly referred to locally as bandits—targeting rural communities, schools, highways and even urban peripheries. Security experts say the latest threat, if credible, highlights both the growing boldness of armed groups and the challenges faced by security forces.
Human rights advocates warn that such public threats demonstrate a worsening security climate, urging the government to strengthen intelligence gathering and community-level protection.
As the video continues to circulate, Nigerians have taken to social media expressing fear, frustration and anger over the country’s deteriorating security situation. Many are calling on the federal government to issue a clear response and outline steps to address the escalating violence.
