The Oyo State Government is moving to establish a commission of inquiry into the recent wave of kidnappings that shook parts of the state, as the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) warns that security threats across Africa have increased dramatically over the past two years.
Governor Seyi Makinde said the planned inquiry will review the circumstances surrounding the recent abductions, assess the security response, and recommend measures to strengthen intelligence gathering and public safety. The move follows the successful rescue of dozens of abducted pupils and teachers after weeks in captivity, with the state seeking to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The inquiry is expected to examine the roles of security agencies, local authorities and community structures while identifying gaps that may have contributed to the attacks. Officials say its findings will guide future security policies and improve emergency response mechanisms.
The announcement comes as U.S. AFRICOM raised fresh concerns about the continent’s evolving security landscape. Speaking during the 2026 Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium, Brigadier General Paul G. Filcek, AFRICOM’s Director of Logistics, said Africa is facing a more than six-fold increase in security threats compared with two years ago.
According to AFRICOM, the surge is being driven by expanding criminal networks involved in illegal narcotics trafficking, human trafficking and other transnational crimes, all of which increasingly overlap with terrorist and insurgent activities. The command stressed that defeating these threats would require stronger cooperation among African governments, improved logistics, intelligence sharing and better communication systems.
Filcek also announced that Nigeria, Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire have been selected for a new U.S.-supported program designed to help African countries develop infrastructure projects capable of attracting international investment.
The twin developments highlight the growing focus on security across Nigeria and the wider continent. While Oyo seeks answers over recent kidnappings through a formal inquiry, international partners are warning that Africa’s broader security environment is becoming increasingly complex, requiring coordinated responses that go beyond military operations alone.
