Cleric questions DSS intelligence capacity, says abductions of pupils and teachers suggest “invisible hands” backing criminal networks

The Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has alleged that powerful political figures may be sponsoring the wave of school kidnappings across Nigeria, raising fresh concerns over the country’s worsening security crisis.

Speaking against the backdrop of recent abductions involving school children and teachers in states including Sokoto and Oyo, the prominent cleric argued that such coordinated attacks could not be carried out without high-level backing.

According to Ibiyeomie, the repeated targeting of schools and the apparent boldness of the kidnappers point to organized networks with financial and logistical support. He insisted that the perpetrators are unlikely to be acting independently.

“They are not just picking these children without sponsors. Politicians must be behind it. They can’t carry out these operations and even publicize victims without support,” he said.

The pastor also questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security and intelligence systems, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), which he said has the technical capacity to track suspects but has failed to halt the trend.

“Even the DSS can trace calls and pinpoint locations. So why are these kidnappers not being tracked and apprehended? There must be an invisible hand behind it. In a situation like this, how is it that nobody is ever caught?” he queried.

His remarks add to growing public frustration over persistent kidnappings and the perceived inability of security agencies to dismantle the criminal networks responsible. Authorities have yet to respond to the allegations.