A man identified as a bandit commander has released a new video issuing threats against Nigeria’s top political and military leaders.
The militant claimed that his group is preparing to target senior security officers, state governors, and even President Bola Tinubu.
In the video, the commander appeared in what looked like a Nigerian military jacket.
He bragged about previous kidnappings carried out in parts of Kebbi and Niger states.
He stated that those operations were “just the beginning.”
According to him, security agencies have not succeeded in stopping their activities.
He insisted that the recent arrests of some suspects had no impact on their network.
“Everyone has woken up. We kidnapped school students in Kebbi State and Niger State. Next time, we will be kidnapping Nigerian military officers and taking them to the forest,” he said.
He also pointed to the jacket he was wearing, adding:
“Look at the clothes I’m wearing — they belong to a soldier. Nigeria, in the days ahead, we will kidnap a governor, we will kidnap the President, and others.”
The commander went further to say that citizens should rely on divine protection instead of the government.
He claimed that authorities have failed to safeguard Nigerians.
“We are not concerned that they have arrested anyone. The government cannot secure you. You people should return to God to protect you, answer your wishes, and wipe the tears from your eyes,” he added.
He ended the video by sending greetings to his followers online and saying, “No one among the big men can wipe your tears. We have woken up. I greet all of you on social media. Have a pleasant day.”
The video has sparked fresh concerns over rising insecurity in the North, especially after recent attacks on schools in Kebbi and Niger states.
Last week, armed men stormed St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School in Niger State.
Students and teachers were taken away in large numbers during the midnight raid.
Local officials later confirmed that the assailants operated for about an hour without resistance.
Five days earlier, terrorists attacked Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State.
Several female students were abducted, and at least one staff member was killed.
The attackers struck early in the morning, firing shots to scare the students before taking them away.
These repeated assaults on schools have intensified fears among parents and communities already battling insecurity.
