The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kidnapping

  • Why kidnapping thrives in Nigeria

    Why kidnapping thrives in Nigeria

    • By Adeyemi Oladebo

    Sir: Kidnapping has become a thriving industry in Nigeria, not because criminals are too smart, but because the system allows it to pay. The repeated success of ransom collection raises a disturbing question Nigerians can no longer ignore: is this a failure of security capacity, or a failure of integrity?

    A recent rescue operation in Mali provides a revealing contrast. There, security agents tracked traffickers who had switched off phones and changed numbers, identified locations through intelligence tools, monitored movement discreetly, and rescued a 16-year-old victim without a single ransom call or negotiation. Criminals could not make repeated calls without being detected.

    In Nigeria, however, kidnappers operate with shocking confidence. They make multiple calls, negotiate for days or weeks, move victims across large areas, collect huge sums of money, and often escape without arrest. In some cases, victims are killed even after ransom is paid. This pattern suggests more than incompetence; it suggests deep systemic failure.

    Read Also: New tax laws take off January 1, 2026, Tinubu insists

    If similar intelligence tools and methods are effective elsewhere in Africa, Nigerians are entitled to ask why they appear ineffective at home. Either security agencies lack the required technology despite massive budgetary allocations, or there are internal compromises that allow criminal networks to flourish.

    Kidnapping will not stop as long as it remains profitable. And it will remain profitable as long as accountability is absent. This is not an attack on honest officers risking their lives daily, but a call for serious institutional reform, transparency, and investigation.

    Nigerians deserve a security system that rescues victims, not one that negotiates with criminals. Until the hard questions are answered, public trust will continue to erode—and kidnappers will continue to win.

    •Adeyemi Oladebo,

     <oladeboyemi@gmail.com>

  • How we are tackling kidnapping economy, by  NCTC boss

    How we are tackling kidnapping economy, by  NCTC boss

    The federal government is taking concrete steps to dismantle the kidnapping economy in Nigeria by aligning national strategy with tactical, ground-level operations, according to Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Gen. Laka highlighted the launch of the State Expansion Programme of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, a collaborative initiative between Nigeria and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA).

    He noted that kidnapping has evolved from random acts to a full-blown criminal industry, operated by organised, well-armed syndicates that thrive on fear and ransom payments.

    “The objective is to dismantle this economy by integrating national-level coordination with operational boots-on-ground action,” he said.

    The fusion cell, according to Laka, is already facilitating high-profile rescue missions and disbanding kidnapping networks across the country, with plans now underway to expand the programme to more states for greater impact.

    He said, “As we know, kidnapping has evolved into one of the most persistent and destabilising security threats in Nigeria. 

    “The nature of kidnapping today has changed. What used to be occasional, opportunistic crimes have become systematic operations involving well-organized and well-armed criminal networks.

    Read Also: FCT police, DSS, military activate joint patrols to curb kidnapping, one chance

    “These networks, often with links to terrorist and armed groups, use kidnapping as a primary revenue stream, exploiting ransoms to fund logistics, weapons procurement, and territorial expansion. This growing criminal economy thrives on fear, and where coordination is weak.

    “To address this, we established the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell in collaboration with the United Kingdom – National Crime Agency. Since then, the Cell has made significant strides.”

    However, the Coordinator stressed that effective results depend on real-time local intelligence and swift response, which, according to him, is what the state-level expansion aims to strengthen.

    He said the cell had played key roles in supporting rescue operations, disrupting kidnapping networks, and improving interagency coordination.

    According to him, experience has shown that while national coordination is crucial, state-level engagement is indispensable.

    Laka said, “Too often, real-time intelligence, local knowledge, and operational readiness reside with field commands, while national coordination can only succeed when it is informed by ground realities.

    “This is the primary purpose of this programme: to close the gap between national-level coordination and state-level response.

    “Essentially, to build direct operational linkages between the Cell and state commands across the Country.”

  • Kidnapping: Police deploy intervention squad on Sagamu-Benin Expressway

    Kidnapping: Police deploy intervention squad on Sagamu-Benin Expressway

    The Police Command in Ogun has deployed a Speciali Intervention Squad on the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode–Benin Expressway to check incidences of crime along the axis.

    CSP Omolola Odutola, the Command’s Spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Thursday.

    Odutola explained that the move was in line with the commitment of the command to ensure the safety and security of commuters and residents, following rise in incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery on the highway.

    She explained that the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, was resolved to put an end to criminal activities on the expressway.

    ” On Wednesday, CP Ogunlowo personally inspected the security operations at the newly established intervention post, strategically located before Odogbolu, in between Celplas Industry, Mikano Generator and Ladgroup Company, on the stretch of the road.

    ” The outpost, consisting of a makeshift roof shed fortified with sandbags, serves as a rapid response center for distress calls from the Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, and Owode Egba area commands.

    ” It also serves as distress point for commuters who require emergency assistance from the police.

    ” This calculated approach is designed to complement other security pin-down points along the expressway, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

    Read Also: Reps urge FG to intervene in Ondo massacre, kidnappings

    ”  Key security deployments include two OP MESA security points positioned inward and outward Lagos on the Long Bridge.

    ” Shed posts with Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) at the Sagamu Interchange and the makeshift security posts on the Ijebu Ode–Sagamu Highway to reassure road users of the active presence of armed policemen,” she said.

    Odutola further said that the proactive security initiative followed an earlier surveillance operation conducted on Feb. 27,  during which the commissioner identified and blocked escape routes frequently used by kidnappers.

    She stated that the police command remained resolute in its mission to combat crime and ensure that road users travel without fear or apprehension.

    Odutola urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities via the Command’s emergency hotline, *08099401875* when in distress.

    (NAN) 

  • Why kidnapping persists in Arepo, Ishawo, others

    Why kidnapping persists in Arepo, Ishawo, others

    The police on Thursday confirmed the rescue of Mrs. A. Odumosu, one of the wives of retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG), Hakeem Odumosu, who was kidnapped by masked gunmen on January 16.

    Mrs. Odumosu, the police said, was rescued around 6:45 am, at a creek in Ikorodu, adding that two of her kidnappers were killed in battle while the N10 million paid as ransom was recovered.

    The woman was whisked away by the gunmen from her Aminu Street, Orange Estate residence at Arepo around 9:55 pm as she was about to drive into her compound in a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).

    Her kidnappers, who exhibited mastery of the terrain, took her through the creeks into the Ishawo/Ikorodu forest, an area that has remained a haven for armed militants and bandits.

    It was gathered that the kidnappers earlier demanded N40 million ransom but the amount was later negotiated downward and an amount paid as bait while detectives from Ogun State Police Command in collaboration with Intelligence and Technical experts from the Force Headquarters decoded their possible location.

    Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi who confirmed her rescue in a statement, noted that the criminals were planning their next operation when operatives stormed their location inside the creek, adding that four Ak-47 rifles, three locally made single barrel rifles and ammunition of various calibers were also recovered.

    Read Also; FULL LIST: Addresses of NYSC orientation camps in Nigeria

    Kidnapping at Arepo, Ibafo, Warewa, Fatola, Elepete, Ishawo, Ijede, Ijedodo, Epe, and environs had continued unabated for years no thanks to the difficulty in navigating the swampy terrains.

    The above fact, coupled with the lack of swamp buggies to frequently pull down those mangroves to open up the creeks, as well as the easy access these criminals have to navigate the shallow waters into different communities without being chased by security operatives were also contributory factors.

    Also, the fact that these communities play host to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) Systems 2B pipelines, made them a beehive of militants whose stock-in-trade was pipeline vandalism until they found kidnapping to be lucrative following the shutdown of the flow station in 2015.

    Until their venture into senseless kidnappings, raping, and killing of innocent populace, the militants inhabited a world of their own.

    They hoisted flags and dug boreholes with links to underground NNPC pipelines located kilometres away from where they raked in millions of naira daily.

    The eventual suspension of the System 2B pipeline operation denied the criminals access to the oil millions, hence their resort to terrorising the residents, decimating their livestock, raiding shops, raping women and children, stealing money, kidnapping for ransom, and murdering some of the landlords in cold blood.

    Aside from Mrs. Odumosu, a Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) member in Warewa was also kidnapped last year while she was returning from service. There was also the case of the Isheri landlords- Kennedy Ucheagwu, Dr Omololu Bello, Fidelis Esan,g and trainer Olalere Olawale who were kidnapped from their estate in 2016.

    Four junior secondary students of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla in Epe, Abu, Emmanuel Okonkwo, Jeremiah Rut,h and Isaac Adebisi as well as their Vice Principal, A.O. Oyesola, English teacher, Lukman Oyerinde, three women and a six-month-old baby, Toyosi Aboderin, Ogechi Maku, Toju Amorighoye and Funniyi Tayo Lawal (baby), were all abducted at Epe.

    At Agbowa, Ikorodu, Alhaji Oyebanji Wasiu, Alhaji Isiaka Owolabi and Abiodun Adeniyi, all farmers, were kidnapped and their abductors, who collected N22 million ransom, killed Adeniyi afterwards.

    An RCCG pastor, Kayode Bajomo, the Iba monarch, Oba Goriola Oseni, several landlords at Iba Housing Estate and three female students of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary (BMJS)-Funmi Ogunmefun, Oluwatimileyin Olusa and Deborah Akinayo, were also kidnapped by these gunmen whose enclave was in the creeks bordering Arepo/Ishawo/Epe and environs.

    There were also security operatives including five policemen, nine operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and unspecified number of naval personnel who fell victims to these criminals.

    Most of the security operatives, The Nation gathered, were killed and buried in shallow graves. However, no one has been able to confirm the locations of the graves nor have their bodies been returned to their families for proper burial.

    Although these murderous gangs were initially suspected to be militants who fled the military onslaught from the oil-producing Niger Delta regions, revelations from some of the kidnapped victims who regained freedom showed that most of the gunmen were fleeing terrorists from the north discussed as herders.

    Alluding to this fact on his X account while replying to a follower who urged the police to ensure the fleeing culprits were apprehended, Adejobi wrote: “We will. It’s not easy to navigate the swampy area/creeks. However, we have taken some steps in that regard. The men who carried out the rescue operation did well…”

  • ‘Kidnapping record in FCT drops’

    ‘Kidnapping record in FCT drops’

    There is a significant improvement in the fight against kidnapping in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as a year-on-year assessment of the security situation also showed that other crimes have reduced.

     Director Security Services Department, FCT, Adamu Gwary, who made this known added that  the nation’s capital had recorded months without an incident of kidnapping in the outgoing year, when compared to 2023 when cases of kidnapping and banditry were at its peak.

     Gwary, who ascribed the success to the commitment of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to rid the territory of crimes, said the administration would not relent on the gains recorded.

     Speaking during the end of year press conference by the department, the Director said: “Before now, you would notice that sometimes on a daily basis, at least weekly, you can hardly see a week pass without having a report of kidnapping. Now, when we check our statistics, you will notice that sometimes a whole month you will not hear of that. This is basically due to the measures in place and the magnanimity of the Minister to support whatever we are doing in ensuring that the security agencies are effectively supported.

    Read Also: Ogun 2027 and the cacophony of voices

     “More of such, all of you are living witness to what the Honorable Minister is doing in terms of provision of security and enhancing the provision of security, particularly at the rural area. So, for now, I can assess that based on the effort in place, the department has done well in terms of ensuring that the security agencies are adequately supported where they need such support, particularly in the rural area.

     “In terms of the performance of the department, as the proverbial saying goes, when a lizard falls from the top of a tree, even if nobody will clap for him, he will clap for himself. Looking at the outgoing year in retrospect, there are a lot of changes that the department does in terms of executing our assigned responsibilities”.

     Gwary also disclosed that the FCTA has introduced monthly statistical data on crime in the FCT, which is forwarded to the office of the Security Adviser for further action and crackdown on criminals.

     He said: “Traditionally, we used to generate a monthly intelligence report, process them, and transmit to the Office of the National Security Advisor for other action. This year, we have done it differently by bringing our statistical information about crime and criminality, the level of success our security agencies achieve in terms of boasting of crime, armed recovery, and other activities of security personnel. So, all those put together are something that we have not been doing in the past.

     “But this time around, we generate such things to ensure that at least it helps the administration in terms of assessing the performance of our security agencies for planning purposes. For instance, when we look at our statistical information to look at what are the crimes that are most prevalent, where the administration will channel its energy toward addressing them. And those are one of the areas at which such statistics have helped the administration in terms of fighting of crime”.

     The director disclosed that the administration has also profiled vigilante groups in the territory to ensure that persons with questionable characters don’t gain access to communities.

     He said: “I remembered that sometime in February, the minister said that vigilante groups will be profiled to ensure that those who provide some of these securities at community level are people that are known by the community members as well as the FCT and other security agencies.”

     Gwary, who said the Administration has collated a compendium of Vigilantes groups in the FCT, said the initiative helps in verifying vigilante personnel.

     He said: “We equally establish a portal at which the department will be communicating with the head of the security, I mean, vigilante group in each of the area councils. And by doing so, we will know who are the organized vigilante group, who and who are not, so that we will see in as much as we are very much aware that this is a self-help project, this is a self-help effort, but it will not just be left for members of the public to just key in into it without being addressed in terms of ensuring that the right people are doing the right thing. So the administration is doing everything possible to ensure that the vigilante group that we are using is known to us.

     “We have the compendium of all the vigilante units at the area council. And each of the units, we encourage them to have a compendium of the vigilantes operating at the world level, which will be transmitted to us. So, all this in the process before the end of the year, we assure you that we will have every single vigilante operating in the federal capital territory being fully documented, even if they are doing it for their own self-help.

     “So, this is the situation, the profiling of vigilantes has been done and we are still doing it because sometimes some of them will either join us or even leave the city.”

  • FCT records drop in kidnapping, other crimes in 2024 – FCTA

    FCT records drop in kidnapping, other crimes in 2024 – FCTA

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has witnessed significant progress in the fight against kidnapping, with a year-on-year assessment showing a notable reduction in criminal activities.

    The Director of the Security Services Department, FCT, Adamu Gwary, revealed that the nation’s capital recorded several months without a single incident of kidnapping in 2024, a sharp contrast to 2023 when kidnapping and banditry were at their peak.

    Gwary attributed this success to the unwavering commitment of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to rid the territory of crime, adding that the administration remains determined to sustain these gains.

    Speaking during the end of year press briefing by the department, the Director said: “Before now, you would notice that sometimes on a daily basis, at least weekly, you can hardly see a week pass without having a report of kidnapping. Now, when we check our statistics, you will notice that sometimes a whole month you will not hear of that. 

    Read Also: Enugu governor hails Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons on CAF awards wins

    “This is basically due to the measures in place and the magnanimity of the Honorable Minister to support whatever we are doing in ensuring that the security agencies are effectively supported.

    “More of such, all of you are living witness to what the Honorable Minister is doing in terms of provision of security and enhancing the provision of security, particularly at the rural area. So, for now, I can assess that based on the effort in place, the department has done well in terms of ensuring that the security agencies are adequately supported where they need such support, particularly in the rural area.

    “In terms of the performance of the department, as the proverbial saying goes, when a lizard falls from the top of a tree, even if nobody will clap for him, he will clap for himself. Looking at the outgoing year in retrospect, there are a lot of changes that the department does in terms of executing our assigned responsibilities.”

    Gwary also disclosed that the FCTA has introduced monthly statistical data on crime in the FCT, which is forwarded to the office of the Security Adviser for further action and crackdown on criminals.

    He said: “Traditionally, we used to generate a monthly intelligence report, process them, and transmit to the Office of the National Security Advisor for other action. This year, we have done it differently by bringing our statistical information about crime and criminality, the level of success our security agencies achieve in terms of boasting of crime, armed recovery, and other activities of security personnel. So, all those put together are something that we have not been doing in the past.

    “But this time around, we generate such things to ensure that at least it helps the administration in terms of assessing the performance of our security agencies for planning purposes. For instance, when we look at our statistical information to look at what are the crimes that are most prevalent, where the administration will channel its energy toward addressing them. And those are one of the areas at which such statistics have helped the administration in terms of fighting of crime”.

    The director disclosed that the administration has also profiled vigilante groups in the territory to ensure that persons with questionable characters don’t gain access to communities.

    He said: “I remembered that sometime in February, the minister said that vigilante groups will be profiled to ensure that those who provide some of these securities at community level are people that are known by the community members as well as the FCT and other security agencies.”

    Gwary, who revealed that the Administration has collated a compendium of Vigilantes groups in the FCT, said the initiative helps in verifying vigilante personnel.

    He said: “We equally establish a portal at which the department will be communicating with the head of the security, I mean, vigilante group in each of the area councils. And by doing so, we will know who are the organized vigilante group, who and who are not, so that we will see in as much as we are very much aware that this is a self-help project, this is a self-help effort, but it will not just be left for members of the public to just key in into it without being addressed in terms of ensuring that the right people are doing the right thing. So the administration is doing everything possible to ensure that the vigilante group that we are using is known to us.

    “We have the compendium of all the vigilante units at the area council. And each of the units, we encourage them to have a compendium of the vigilantes operating at the world level, which will be transmitted to us. So, all this in the process before the end of the year, we assure you that we will have every single vigilante operating in the federal capital territory being fully documented, even if they are doing it for their own self-help.

    “So, this is the situation, the profiling of vigilantes has been done and we are still doing it because sometimes some of them will either join us or even leave the city.”

  • Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping will soon be history in North, Tinubu assures

    Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping will soon be history in North, Tinubu assures

    President Bola Tinubu has assured that terrorism, banditry and kidnapping will soon be history in the region. 

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackle them as well as other related criminality in the country head on.

    The President, who made the pledge in Katsina during the 9th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Dutsinma, said tackling insecurity was not just the responsibility of the government alone because citizens have a role to play by providing information to security operatives to aid the fight.

    The President, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Dutste, Jigawa State, Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, also called on youths to leverage on the loan scheme for which over N70 billion has been disbursed to that effect.

    According to him: “Governance is not about the presidency or those in places of leadership but about Nigeria and Nigerians, who will make the country better. 

    “I want to assure all Nigerians that the government is fully committed to combat and defeat all acts of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in Nigeria. 

    “However, security is a collective responsibility. I urge all Nigerians to join hands with the government by giving them relevant information to security agents on suspicious persons, miscreants and other criminal elements.

     On the graduating students, the President urged them to be good ambassadors of the institution and the country at large, wherever they fund themselves.

    The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutsinma, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, highlighted the institution’s challenges, including insecurity, which has been the major problem of the university.

    FUDMA graduated 297 postgraduate students, out of which, 18 had Ph.Ds, 226 have Masters, 53 have professional Diplomas and PGDs. 

    Katsina Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, who was represented by Secretary to the state government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, highlighted the state’s significant investments in education and ongoing strategies to enhance access to quality higher education. 

  • Enugu demolishes another building used for kidnapping

    Enugu demolishes another building used for kidnapping

    Barely one month after it demolished a property allegedly used by kidnappers for abductions in Enugu East local government area, the Enugu State government has also demolished another building in Amabor Owelli community in Awgu LGA used by criminals for kidnapping activities.

    The government also warned landlords that it would not entertain any excuses in enforcing relevant laws of the state mandating the government to bring down any property linked to such evil acts.

    Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State provides, “If the building or structure owned by the offender or any other person, who knows or ought to reasonably know that the building or structure is so being used for that purpose, the building or structure shall be demolished or forfeited to the State Government.”

    Speaking to newsmen at the site, the Executive Chairman, Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Hon. Uche Anya, explained the mansion located at Amaebo Owelli Autonomous Community in Awgu LGA, was said to be used for keeping victims of kidnapping.

    According to him, the video of a male kidnapping victim, who had several AK-47 riffles pointed at his head in May 2024, was recorded in the same building but security agencies were able to track the building, rescuing the victim, while also apprehending most of the criminals and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.

    “What you see here today is the continuation of the war of the Enugu State Government against all manner of criminality. Today, we are here to take down a kidnappers’ den. The property you see us taking down right now is a place where horrendous criminal activities happened.

    “For instance, on 25th of May 2024, some deadly kidnappers abducted a man in Enugu, brought him here, stripped bare, even naked to his red boxers, bound him, pointed guns at him, and forced him to start talking to his family to request for money. They posted that video to his relatives.

    “They held him down, but to the glory of God and the commitment of Governor Mbah, who is giving his all to security, the government and security agencies, through our state-of-the-art security system, were able to see what was happening in this rural community.

    Read Also: FG advised on Nigeria-China agreements

    “Security agencies moved to the place. Every other person was arrested, but the kingpin escaped to Ebonyi. We tracked him to Ebonyi, and he escaped to Lagos where the Enugu State Government and the security agencies caught up with him.

    “Several AK-47 rifles, semi-automatic weapons and all manners of ammunition; dozens of proscribed and offensive weapons were recovered.

    “Interestingly, the kingpin of the gang that did this nonsense was a member of the same gang we went after somewhere at Ogbeke Nike.

    “To those who say why not convert these properties to good use, we want these to serve as a deterrent in accordance with the law. The Enugu State Government does not want anything that will remind us of the deadly criminality.

    “We just want to put it out of our minds. We do not need to acquire a criminal’s property to use it to serve the public. We bring it down and we do our own thing. We do not want to profit from their criminality,” he stated.

    Calling for vigilance on the part of property owners, he said: “So, this is a warning to every landlord. The Enugu State Government will never accept it as an excuse. I am in Australia. I am in America. My brother-in-law took people to my property.

    “Every landlord, once you put up a house in Enugu, we hold you responsible for any criminality that happens in your property; and once it becomes a violent crime, kidnapping, killing, armed robbery, we will take down the property in line with the law that was made by our predecessors. We will enforce it to the letter.

    “As I speak to you, the government has taken over this property. That is why we are tearing it down. The title deed is revoked. The government of Enugu State will probably put up a clinic or something that will be more beneficial to the people of Owelli Court.”

    The Mbah administration has been carrying out a demolition campaign on properties linked to kidnapping and violent crimes to serve as a deterrent, insisting that no criminal would be allowed to enjoy the proceeds of crimes in the state.

  • Still on the kidnapping menace

    Still on the kidnapping menace

    SIR: Ten years ago, I wrote about the scourge of kidnapping in Nigeria, warning that the country was on the verge of becoming the kidnap capital of the world. Unfortunately, my prophecy has come to pass. Today, kidnapping for ransom has become the new oil well for bandits, with the economy of organized crime thriving on the suffering of innocent Nigerians.

    According to recent statistics, in the last year alone, over N10 billion was paid to kidnappers as ransom. This figure is staggering, and it’s a clear indication that the kidnapping business is booming. The more ransom is paid, the more criminals are emboldened to unleash mayhem on vulnerable populations across the country.

    The statistics are alarming. And depending on whose statistics you believe, last year a total of 3,420 people were kidnapped, with the highest number of cases recorded in the Northwest. The Nigerian Police Force reported that it rescued 2,317 victims, but many more remain in captivity. The kidnappers’ demands are becoming increasingly brazen, with some asking for as much as N100 million for a single victim and going as far as killing even after ransom has been paid; another notch higher is asking for ransom to release the corpse of their victims.

    Read Also: Lagos police arrest scavenger over alleged kidnapping

    The government’s response to the crisis has been inadequate. But it’s not just the government that’s failing. We, as a society, have also failed. We’ve lost our sense of feelings, our ability to display deep distress. We’re not truly sad, we can’t feel sad, be miserable, or be despondent. We can’t despair, or see the suffering, and ache because we’re too comfortable in our own lives.

    It’s time for us to take responsibility. We can’t just leave it to the government to solve the problem. We need to come together, as a society, to find solutions. We need to support the victims, to comfort them, to give them hope. We need to work together to create a safer Nigeria, a Nigeria where our children can go to school without fear of being kidnapped.

    The kidnapping scourge is a symptom of a larger problem – a problem of inequality, of injustice, of corruption. We need to address these underlying issues if we want to tackle the kidnapping problem. We need to create jobs, to provide opportunities, to give our young people a sense of purpose.

    Addressing these underlying issues is crucial.

    • Prince Charles Dickson, <pcdbooks@gmail.com>
  • Taming the kidnapping scourge

    Taming the kidnapping scourge

    Sir: Nigeria’s kidnapping problem has surged in both scale and intensity, particularly in the Northeast and Northwest. What was once the work of isolated criminals has now become a lucrative business for extremist groups and organized bandits alike.

    The numbers are staggering: between February and March of this year, over 500 people were abducted in a series of coordinated attacks. From the mass abduction of 200 women and children in Borno to the brazen kidnapping of nearly 300 schoolchildren in Kaduna, the scale of these crimes is reminiscent of the 2014 Chibok tragedy that shocked the world.

    But what fuels this surge in kidnappings? The answer lies in the economic incentives that have turned human lives into commodities. For extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, kidnapping is not just a tool of terror but a crucial source of revenue.

    Ransoms are demanded, lives are traded, and the profits fund further violence. In the Northwest, the situation is equally dire. Here, bandit groups have shifted from cattle rustling, their former lifeblood, to kidnapping, which offers higher returns with fewer risks.

    This shift has made the region the epicentre of Nigeria’s kidnapping, with over 660 kidnapping-related incidents recorded between 2019 and 2024.

    The implications of this kidnapping epidemic extend far beyond the immediate victims. The profits from these crimes fuel other forms of criminality, including human trafficking and the illegal trade in human organs.

    Read Also: House Committee petitions Canada, demands prosecution of Nigerian calling for genocide

    Some victims, whose families cannot afford the ransom, face an even grimmer fate—being sold to ritualists for their organs. This horrifying practice underscores the depths of depravity that the kidnapping industry has reached.

    Moreover, the kidnapping crisis is intricately linked to broader security concerns, such as the control of resource-rich areas. Armed groups use kidnappings to displace local populations, gaining control over mining areas and other valuable resources.

    This tactic has created a vicious cycle of violence, where the profits from kidnappings fund further criminal activities, deepening the instability in affected regions.

    The government’s response to this crisis has been largely reactive, with security forces stretched thin across multiple conflict zones. This limited state presence in rural and remote areas makes these populations particularly vulnerable to bandit attacks.

    The government’s reluctance to publicly pay ransoms, despite reports of state actors making such payments in the past, further complicates the situation.

    So, what can be done to address this crisis? A multi-faceted approach is essential, combining technology, accountability, and socio-economic development. Investing in advanced surveillance systems and integrating tech solutions into the national security framework could enhance intelligence gathering and help pre-empt kidnappings.

    Holding District Police Officers and Police Commissioners accountable for kidnappings in their jurisdictions could incentivize proactive measures to prevent such incidents.

    However, addressing the kidnapping crisis requires more than just a security-focused approach. It also demands a concerted effort to tackle the underlying socio-economic factors that drive individuals towards criminality.

    Implementing economic empowerment programs in vulnerable communities, improving access to education and healthcare, and creating job opportunities could help reduce the appeal of criminal activities.

    Ultimately, the government must recognize the kidnapping epidemic as a national emergency that demands urgent and sustained action. Without a coordinated response involving federal, state, and local governments, as well as international support, the crisis will continue to spiral out of control, with devastating consequences for the country as a whole.

    Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The choices made today will determine whether the nation can reclaim its security and provide a safe and stable future for its citizens or whether it will continue to be haunted by the spectre of kidnapping and its associated horrors. The time for action is now, before more lives are shattered and more communities are torn apart.

    •Abdulhamid Abdullahi Aliyu, (NYSC) abdulhamidabdullahiali@gmail.com