A high-ranking official of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Adekunle Raif Adeniji, has been abducted in Abuja, raising concerns about the rising wave of insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Dr. Adeniji, who serves as the Director of Administration at the APC National Secretariat, was reportedly kidnapped two weeks ago. According to sources familiar with the incident, his captors have reached out to his family, demanding a ransom of ₦350 million in exchange for his release. However, as of now, neither the APC leadership nor security agencies have issued an official statement regarding the abduction.
Dr. Adeniji was appointed to his current position in August 2024, following the resignation of his predecessor, Prof. Alaba Adediwura. His appointment was confirmed in an official letter issued by the party’s National Secretary, underscoring his importance within the APC’s administrative structure.
This latest abduction adds to the growing list of high-profile kidnappings across the country. In a separate but related incident, retired Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga, a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was also kidnapped. Armed men reportedly stormed his residence in Katsina State last Wednesday night and took him hostage. His abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦250 million for his release.
The spate of kidnappings, particularly targeting prominent individuals, has heightened concerns over security lapses in both urban and rural areas. While authorities have repeatedly pledged to curb criminal activities, incidents like these highlight the persistent challenges facing Nigeria’s security framework.
Residents and stakeholders continue to call for urgent and decisive action from security agencies to curb the rising cases of abductions, which have left many families in distress. As the nation grapples with this security crisis, the fate of Dr. Adeniji and Brigadier-General Tsiga remains uncertain, with their families anxiously awaiting further developments.
