As Nigeria marks the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 election and 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned that worsening insecurity poses a serious threat to the country’s democracy, rule of law, and the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Commemorating the day on Thursday 11 June, 2026, CAPPA stressed that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where citizens live in constant fear of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and communal violence.
“Democracy cannot thrive where people are afraid to travel on highways, send their children to school, cultivate their farms, operate businesses, or participate in elections,” said Zikora Ibeh, CAPPA’s Assistant Executive Director.
The organisation expressed concern over the persistent rise in kidnapping-for-ransom across the country, noting that repeated mass abductions, including attacks on schools and educational institutions, threaten national growth and development.
According to available data cited by CAPPA, no fewer than 4,722 people were abducted in 997 kidnapping incidents between July 2024 and June 2025. Within the same period, at least 762 people lost their lives in kidnapping-related incidents, while Nigerians reportedly paid an estimated N2.57 billion in ransom.
CAPPA described as particularly troubling the continued targeting of vulnerable groups, including children, women, and young girls, many of whom remain separated from their families for extended periods under traumatic conditions.
The organisation also decried disturbing videos circulating on social media showing victims in captivity being abused and forced to plead for ransom, saying such incidents highlight the human cost of the country’s security crisis.
“No Nigerian should have to plead for their life before a camera while criminal groups operate with impunity. No parent should have to endure the agony of not knowing whether a kidnapped child will return home alive. These tragedies represent a profound failure of the state’s most fundamental responsibility k the protection of life and property,” Ibeh stated.
CAPPA called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of all abducted persons and ensure that perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted.
“All criminal elements must be made to understand that Nigeria and its people are out of bounds. No group should be allowed to terrorise communities and undermine national life without facing the full consequences of the law,” the orgaanisation added.
The group further urged authorities to improve communication with the public regarding rescue efforts and security measures, noting that a lack of official information is fuelling anxiety and a sense of abandonment among affected communities.
“While security operations often require discretion, the current shortage of official information is fuelling rumours and uncertainty. Nigerians deserve reassurance that every available resource is being deployed to bring their loved ones home safely,” CAPPA said.
It warned that persistent insecurity could undermine voter participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, as fear of violence may discourage civic engagement and turnout.
“A democracy cannot be considered fully representative when large numbers of citizens are effectively excluded by fear and insecurity,” the organisation noted.
CAPPA recommended increased investment in intelligence gathering, community policing, early warning systems, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities. It also called for improved welfare for security personnel and more effective prosecution of criminal networks.
In addition, the organisation urged governments at all levels to address underlying drivers of insecurity, including poverty, youth unemployment, corruption, weak institutions, environmental degradation, and social exclusion.
As Nigerians commemorate June 12, CAPPA emphasised that the promise of democracy must go hand in hand with the security and welfare of citizens.
“The significance of June 12 lies in its affirmation that sovereignty belongs to the people. That promise loses meaning when citizens cannot live, work, and participate in public life without fear.
“Defending democracy requires defending the lives and dignity of Nigerians. The government must act with urgency to rescue those in captivity, dismantle criminal networks, and restore public confidence,” CAPPA concluded.
