The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Federal Government to investigate possible collusion between armed security forces and kidnappers across the country, to identify and flush out any saboteurs in the security forces who are aiding and abetting terrorism.

The call comes after reports that the Law students recently kidnapped in Benue State while travelling from Enugu to the Nigerian Law School campus in Taraba State had to pay heavy ransom to the kidnappers for their release. It was also reported that the police were not involved in their rescue.

HURIWA recalled statements by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Chris Musa, who suggested that there were saboteurs within the military who aided terrorist attacks in Benue.

The rights group demanded that the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Benue be sanctioned if it is confirmed that the police did not play a role in freeing the kidnapped students.

According to the National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, inaccurate information by the police claiming to have rescued the kidnapped students damages the integrity of the police and is a disservice to the country.

In a statement, yesterday, he cited a media report in which a Law student, David Obiora, who was abducted on his way to Yola campus, shared a harrowing account of his captivity. Obiora disputed claims by the Nigerian police that they rescued him and five other students from kidnappers in Benue.

The group emphasised the need for the government to address deception and falsehood, especially if it is confirmed that the police did not rescue the hostages from their kidnappers despite claiming to have done so.

Regarding allegations of saboteurs aiding terrorism and kidnappings in the country, HURIWA advocates the establishment of a strong investigative panel by the CDS or the National Security Adviser (NSA) to identify and remove saboteurs within the armed forces. Who are hindering the fight against terrorism and contributing to kidnappings in Nigeria.

HURIWA also highlighted past incidents where soldiers were implicated in kidnappings and called for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The group urged President Bola Tinubu to take decisive actions to investigate the allegations and ensure a comprehensive clean-up of the armed forces and police to eliminate saboteurs within the system.