FEATURE..... KIDNAPPING IN NIGERIA :  A GROWING THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY ADMIST LIMITED RESOURCES

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is grappling with a kidnapping epidemic that has reached crisis proportions. In the past decade, over 10,000 people have been abducted, with ransom demands totaling millions of dollars. The victims include students, teachers, doctors, politicians, and business leaders, with many more falling prey to this lucrative criminal enterprise every month. The gangs, often armed and dangerous, operate with impunity, striking at will and leaving families shattered and communities traumatized. As Nigeria struggles with the escalating menace of kidnapping,a stark reality confronts the nation the battle against this scourge must be waged with limited resources, overstretched security forces , and a dire need for sustainable solutions.  Amidst this precarious landscape, kidnapping in Nigeria has evolved into a growing threat to national security, testing the country's to resolve to  ensure the safety of  its citizens. 

           Kidnapping is the unlawful taking and holding of a person against his/ her will for ransom,most a huge sum of money.The rise of kidnapping in Nigeria can be traced back to the early 2000s, when the country's economic and political landscape began to deteriorate. As unemployment and poverty soared, criminal elements took advantage of the unpalatable situation targeting vulnerable individuals for ransom. Initially, kidnapping was concentrated in the Niger Delta region, where militants demanded ransom from oil companies and wealthy businessmen. However, as the practice proved lucrative, it spread to other parts of the country, with criminals adapting their tactics to exploit new vulnerabilities. Today, kidnapping has become a nationwide epidemic, with victims ranging from students and teachers to politicians and business leaders.

             Kidnapping has become a major threat to Nigeria's national security. The frequent attacks and abductions have created a sense of fear and insecurity among citizens, eroding trust in the government's ability to protect them. The violence and instability caused by kidnapping have also weakened Nigeria's security forces, diverting resources away from other critical threats like terrorism and banditry. Furthermore, the ransom payments have fueled the growth of criminal networks, corrupting officials and undermining the rule of law. Few of the Nigeria police personalities whom I spoke with shared their insights with me during our conversation, highlighting on how kidnapping has become a major threat to Nigeria's security. The first officer said and I quote, " failure from the government to provide adequate resources for example, aircrafts, flying robots, good vehicles e. t. c  that would curb the activities of the kidnappers has encouraged them to continue in their bad act and causing a big threat to the national security personnel like poor response from security officers to emergencies. A good example is  officers complaining of fuel shortage or nonavailability in their operational vehicle . Second officer said: " The situation of inadequate salary and high cost of living is a threat as well. Imagine officers that are not well paid , facing financial problems , how will he be happy to carry out his work effectively ".  In addition to the above reasons, Nigeria efforts to combat kidnapping are severely hampered by limited resources. The country's security forces are understaffed, underequiped and underfunded. Using the following kidnapping cases below as an examples , one can easily substantiate the fact stated. In May 9, 2024, at about 9p.m,some students of the Confluence university of science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara , near Okene , Kogi State, were kidnapped by unknown gunmen at least nine students were reported missing. In 2014, the Boko Haram terrorist group kidnapped 276 schoolgirl from Chibok Borno State . The military's  slow response and lack of resources allowed the militants to escape with the girls. 

               Another factor to be considered is  limited  victim's experience. There are several Nigerian victims of kidnapping who have shared their struggles with health challenges resulting from their traumatic experiences. One notable incident is , Blessing Okoro A Nigerian woman was kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014 and held captive for three years .she has spoken publicly after regaining her freedom about her struggles with PTSD, depression, and anxiety, as well as her experiences of sexual slavery and forced marriage, chronic pain and fatigue, resulting from her captivity. In an interview with BBC, Blessing said: " I'm still struggling with my health .…..  I have chronic pain , I have fatigue , I have anxiety I'm still trying to heal". Another example is an anonymous  Pastor who has refused to revealed his identify who went for an evangelism, on his way back to Kogi State from Benue State . The anonymous Pastor described the harsh conditions , he endured, including physical labor, starvation, and beatings, and revealed that his captors demanded a staggering sum of 1 million naira as Ransom for his release, a dauting price for his freedom , he disclosed this  In an interview with Omoboriowo Deborah.

                Nigeria can learn from the success of other countries in getting rid of kidnapping in Nigeria. For examples , countries that have effectively control kidnapping with adequate resources and Team work ,In the United States for instance; The FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) is equipped with advanced weaponry, including M4AI carbines , Glock 19 Pistols , FN SCAR rifles . The HRT also utilizes advanced technology, such as : surveillance drones, Thermal imaging cameras , Advanced Forensic analysis tools and so on as part of the measures to curb this menace and similar ones

In conclusion, addressing kidnapping in Nigeria is a complex and challenging task, akin to building a mighty city like Rome. It requires a sustained effort, strategic planning, and collective action from all stakeholders. Just as Rome wasn't built in a day, tackling kidnapping won't be achieved overnight. However, with a commitment to enhancing security capabilities, addressing socio-economic drivers, and leveraging international cooperation, Nigeria can make significant progress in reducing the threat of kidnapping and ensuring the safety of its citizens. While limited resources may pose a challenge, they cannot be an excuse for inaction. By working together and prioritizing security, Nigeria can build a safer future, one brick at a time.

Deborah is of the Mass communication department, Prince ABUBAKAR AUDU University Kogi State. 

Okoli A. C., & Agada, F. T. (2014). Kidnapping and National Security in Nigeria. Research on Humanities and social sciences.

Onuoha, F. C., & Okolie_ Osemene, J. (2019). The Evolving Threat of kidnapping for Ransom in Nigeria. In internal Security Management in Nigeria. (pp. 233_258).Springer Singapore. https://do;. Org/10.1007/978_981_13_8215-4-12.

Trade, O., Ojedokun, U. A., & Aderinto, A. A(2020). ' I went through Hell' : Strategies for kidnapping and Victims Experiences in Nigeria. Journal of Agression , Maltreatment and Trauma, 29(10) 1244- 1256.http;// do ;. Org/10.28939/IAM . DEBATS. EN. 2020-15.

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