The recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State has once again exposed the devastating human cost of insecurity in Nigeria. Images and videos of frightened and traumatised children sparked outrage nationwide, but the incident also highlighted a growing dimension of modern insecurity — psychological warfare.

Beyond kidnappings and violence, terrorists and bandits increasingly rely on fear, propaganda and viral content to influence public perception. Their goal is not only to attack communities but also to create panic, weaken confidence in institutions and make citizens feel unsafe everywhere.

While Nigeria’s security challenges remain serious and demand urgent action, experts warn that citizens, the media and political leaders must avoid unintentionally amplifying criminal propaganda through sensationalism, misinformation and the circulation of unverified content.

The incident in Oyo revived memories of previous mass school abductions across the country, reinforcing concerns about the vulnerability of children and educational institutions. However, security analysts stress that acknowledging the threat should not translate into surrendering mentally to fear.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has repeatedly urged journalists and citizens to report security issues responsibly, warning that unverified reports and sensational coverage can strengthen the psychological objectives of criminal groups.

Observers argue that defeating insecurity requires a combination of military action, intelligence gathering, good governance, economic development and responsible communication. They also note that citizens must remain vigilant while resisting fear and misinformation.

Ultimately, the Oyo school abduction serves as a reminder that the battle against insecurity is both physical and psychological. While security forces confront criminals on the ground, Nigerians must ensure that fear and hopelessness do not become the country’s defining reality.