Nigeria's Vice President Departs for G20 as Security Crisis Deepens
Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Abuja to represent Nigeria at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, following President Bola Tinubu's decision to remain in the country amid escalating security challenges. The summit, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, brings together leaders from the world's largest economies along with representatives from the European Union, African Union, and major financial institutions.
Security Concerns Force Presidential Change of Plans
President Tinubu had originally planned to attend the summit personally but made the strategic decision to stay in Nigeria to receive ongoing security briefings. This move comes in response to recent violent incidents in Kebbi and Kwara States that have heightened concerns about the country's security situation. Presidency officials confirm that Tinubu's choice reflects his commitment to personally oversee the government's response to the worsening crisis.
The timing of Shettima's diplomatic mission coincides with renewed international scrutiny of Nigeria's security landscape. Armed groups continue to launch attacks across central and northern regions, with the most recent incident involving the abduction of an unspecified number of students from St Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. This marks the second mass school kidnapping within a single week.
Wave of Kidnappings and International Reactions
The security situation has drawn international attention, partly fueled by former US president Donald Trump's controversial claim about a "Christian genocide" occurring in Nigeria. The Nigerian government has strongly rejected these allegations, describing them as inflammatory and untrue.
Recent kidnapping incidents include:
- 25 students abducted from a girls' boarding school in Kebbi State, with the vice-principal killed during the attack
- 38 worshippers kidnapped during a live-streamed church service in Kwara State
- The latest abduction at St Mary's School in Niger State
Niger State Secretary Abubakar Usman expressed deep sadness about the Agwara school kidnapping, highlighting that Niger - Nigeria's largest state - has suffered multiple mass abductions over the past decade. This includes the 2021 kidnapping of 135 Islamic seminary pupils, six of whom tragically died in captivity.
Government Response and International Implications
In response to the Kebbi State incident, President Tinubu has ordered Defence Minister of State Bello Matawalle to relocate to Kebbi and lead rescue efforts. Local reports suggest security forces had received intelligence about potential attacks and had guarded the school overnight, but left shortly before the assault occurred.
The governor of Kebbi State made serious allegations, claiming that "heavily armed security personnel spent time taking photographs with the students, only to abandon them 30 minutes before the attack."
While no group has claimed responsibility for the recent kidnappings, reports indicate that armed gangs, often comprising former herders, frequently target schools, travelers, and remote villages in kidnapping-for-ransom operations. The violence represents part of a broader insecurity crisis involving bandit groups, extremist factions, and communal militias.
The security situation has complicated Nigeria's relations with Washington, with the Trump administration recently designating Nigeria a "country of particular concern" over alleged religious persecution. US lawmakers including Ted Cruz have amplified claims of targeted attacks on Christians, though Nigerian officials insist that victims cut across religious lines.
Shettima's presence at the G20 Summit while Tinubu remains in Nigeria underscores the government's attempt to project stability on the international stage while confronting a deepening domestic crisis. The Vice President is expected to return to Nigeria following his diplomatic engagements in South Africa.
