Suleiman Adamu, Senior National Security/Defence Correspondent
A Nation Held Hostage
In the heart of Nigeria, where resilience and hope should flourish, a shadow looms large, striking fear into the hearts of citizens across all walks of life. This shadow is not a foreign invader but a domestic terror that has gripped the nation with ruthless ferocity—kidnapping. From bustling cities to remote villages, no one is safe from the pervasive menace of abduction, which has become a terrifyingly normalised aspect of Nigerian life. Despite efforts by security agencies, the crisis only deepens, raising critical questions about the state of national security and the efficacy of those tasked with protecting the populace.
Kidnapping, once a sporadic crime, has evolved into a sophisticated and widespread criminal enterprise, threatening the very fabric of Nigerian society. The failure of security forces to stem the tide of abductions has not only emboldened criminals but also eroded public confidence in the government’s ability to maintain law and order. As Nigerians live in constant fear of becoming the next victim, this report critically examines the underlying causes, the ineptitude of security agencies, and the political inertia that has allowed this crisis to spiral out of control.
The Rise of Kidnapping: From Political Tactic to Lucrative Business
Kidnapping in Nigeria did not always command the fear and notoriety it does today. The phenomenon can be traced back to the early 2000s, with the emergence of Niger Delta militants who initially used abduction as a political tactic to draw attention to the region’s plight. The militants, claiming to fight against environmental degradation and the neglect of their oil-rich communities, targeted expatriates and oil workers, often securing hefty ransoms. While these early kidnappings were rooted in a form of activism, they set a dangerous precedent, paving the way for the crime to evolve into a lucrative business devoid of any ideological pretensions.
A pivotal moment in Nigeria’s kidnapping history occurred in April 2002, when ten workers of the Shell Petroleum Development Company were abducted by youths from Bayelsa State. This incident marked the beginning of a dark chapter that would see the spread of kidnapping beyond the Niger Delta, fueled by the perception that crime could pay—and pay handsomely. Although the 2009 amnesty granted to the militants temporarily quelled the crisis in the Niger Delta, the northeastern region soon became the epicenter of a new wave of abductions, driven by the deadly ambitions of Boko Haram.
Boko Haram: A New Era of Terror
The abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls by Boko Haram in 2014 shocked the world and brought international attention to Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis. This single event, in which 276 girls were taken from their school dormitory, underscored the brutal reality that no place was safe—not even institutions of learning. Boko Haram, a jihadist group with a long history of violence, turned kidnapping into a weapon of terror, using it to extort ransoms, execute victims, and instil fear across the region.
The Chibok abduction was not an isolated incident; it was part of a broader strategy by Boko Haram to destabilise the region and exert control through fear. Schools, churches, mosques, highways, and homes became battlegrounds in a war where the primary targets were often the most vulnerable. The failure of security agencies to prevent these attacks or secure the release of victims in a timely manner highlighted the inadequacies within Nigeria’s security architecture. Despite numerous promises from the government to bring the girls home, many remain missing to this day, a stark reminder of the state’s inability to protect its citizens.
A Nation Under Siege: The Grim Statistics
The scale of Nigeria’s kidnapping epidemic is staggering. According to the Civil Society Joint Action Group, no fewer than 17,469 Nigerians were abducted between 2019 and 2023. In just the first seven months of 2024, at least 2,140 people were reportedly kidnapped across 24 states. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent lives shattered, families torn apart, and communities living in perpetual fear.
The most recent high-profile case occurred on August 16, 2024, when 20 medical students were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State, while en route to the annual convention of the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu. As of the time of this report, these students have yet to be released, further fuelling the sense of helplessness that pervades the nation.
The frequency and audacity of these kidnappings suggest a systemic failure in Nigeria’s security apparatus. Despite high-profile arrests, such as that of notorious kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, the crime continues unabated. Evans, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2022, was once believed to be the mastermind behind some of the most audacious kidnappings in Nigeria. Yet, his incarceration has done little to stem the tide of abductions, raising troubling questions about the extent of the problem and the effectiveness of the measures being implemented to combat it.
The Failure of Security Agencies: A National Embarrassment
The continued rise of kidnapping across Nigeria is a damning indictment of the country’s security agencies. Despite their mandate to protect and serve, these agencies have repeatedly failed to prevent kidnappings or rescue victims. The reasons for this failure are manifold, ranging from inadequate resources and poor training to corruption and a lack of accountability.
One of the most glaring issues is the inability of security forces to track and apprehend kidnappers, who often operate with impunity. Kidnappers routinely use mobile phones to communicate with victims’ families, yet security agencies have been unable—or unwilling—to leverage telecommunications technology to track these criminals. This failure is particularly egregious given the widespread belief that with the right tools and expertise, the kidnappers could be easily located and apprehended.
Public frustration with the security forces is compounded by their perceived heavy-handedness in other areas. For instance, during the #EndSARS protests, the same security agencies that appear impotent in the face of kidnappers displayed overwhelming force against unarmed protesters. This disparity in response has led many Nigerians to question the priorities of the security agencies and their commitment to addressing the kidnapping crisis.
Root Causes: Poverty, Unemployment, and a Broken System
Understanding the root causes of Nigeria’s kidnapping epidemic is crucial to finding a lasting solution. Security experts agree that poverty and unemployment are significant drivers of the crime. In a country where opportunities are scarce and the gap between the rich and poor is widening, kidnapping offers a quick—albeit illegal—path to wealth. The failure of successive governments to address these socio-economic issues has created a fertile ground for criminal activities, including abduction.
Moreover, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, coupled with weak security institutions, has exacerbated the problem. Nigeria’s porous borders and the availability of firearms have made it easy for criminals to arm themselves and carry out their nefarious activities. The criminal justice system, too, is in disarray, with many offenders going unpunished, thereby emboldening others to follow suit.
The lack of political will to address these issues is perhaps the most significant barrier to solving the kidnapping crisis. Despite the rhetoric of various administrations, there has been little in the way of concrete action to dismantle the networks that enable kidnapping. Security agencies, which should be at the forefront of this battle, are often hamstrung by corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability.
Security Experts Speak Out: A Call for Political Will and Accountability
Security experts have long warned that without decisive action, the kidnapping crisis in Nigeria will continue to worsen. Kabir Adamu, the Chief Executive Officer of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, has been vocal about the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of the crime. According to Adamu, the government must show political will by enacting and enforcing laws that punish offenders and by addressing the socio-economic issues that drive people to crime.
Adamu also emphasises the importance of consequence management, arguing that security agencies must be held accountable for their failures. “The police and other security ministries, departments, and agencies are not held accountable by the Presidency and the National Assembly,” he says. “The consequence management by the incumbent and previous administrations is weak.”
Former Director of the Department of State Services, Mike Ejiofor, shares Adamu’s concerns and advocates for increased security patrols as a deterrent to kidnappers. He points out that the random nature of kidnapping operations makes it difficult for security agencies to predict and prevent them. However, with more resources and better training, he believes the police can make significant inroads into combating the crime.
Tony Ofoyetan, Director General of the International Institute of Professional Security, offers a more scathing critique. He argues that kidnapping has become a syndicated business, involving not just the perpetrators but also compromised elements within the security forces, banking sector, and telecommunications industry. According to Ofoyetan, the government has the capacity to track and apprehend kidnappers but lacks the political will to do so. He calls for a special operation to clear the forests and bushes that serve as hideouts for criminals and urges the government to expose and prosecute compromised security agents.
The Government’s Tepid Response: New Initiatives, Old Problems
In response to the escalating kidnapping crisis, the Nigerian government has announced several initiatives aimed at curbing the menace. On June 28, 2024, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, unveiled new tactical equipment designed to bolster the capabilities of the police force in combating kidnapping and other forms of criminality. Additionally, the inauguration of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) represents a significant advancement in police operational strategy, drawing from best practices in global law enforcement.
However, these initiatives, while laudable on paper, have yet to translate into meaningful action on the ground. The SIS, comprising 169 officers, is tasked with tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes. Yet, without a corresponding increase in accountability and oversight, these efforts risk becoming another example of well-intentioned policies that fail to deliver results.
The police’s focus on educating the public about the dangers of ransom payments is another aspect of their strategy. While this is important, it does little to address the root causes of kidnapping or the systemic issues within the security agencies themselves. Ransom payments have undoubtedly turned kidnapping into a lucrative enterprise, but without a concerted effort to dismantle the networks that support this crime, the problem will persist.
A Way Forward: Strategies for Ending the Kidnapping Menace
The road to ending Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis is long and fraught with challenges, but it is not insurmountable. The first step is for the government to demonstrate genuine political will by enacting and enforcing laws that punish offenders and protect victims. This includes passing legislation that mandates the tracking of telecommunications data in kidnapping cases and ensuring that security agencies have the resources and training they need to respond effectively.
Clearing the forests and bushes that serve as hideouts for kidnappers is another crucial step. This should be done through a coordinated military operation that includes aerial surveillance, ground patrols, and the use of advanced technology to detect and neutralise threats. The government must also address the socio-economic factors that drive people to crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education.
Moreover, there must be a renewed focus on accountability within the security forces. This includes rooting out corruption, improving oversight, and holding officers accountable for their actions—or inaction. The police and other security agencies must be empowered to act decisively against kidnappers, with the assurance that they will be supported at the highest levels of government.
Finally, public awareness campaigns should be intensified to educate Nigerians about the dangers of ransom payments and the importance of reporting kidnapping incidents to the authorities. This should be coupled with measures to protect whistleblowers and encourage cooperation between the public and security forces.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Nigeria stands at a crossroads in its fight against kidnapping. The decisions made by the government and security agencies in the coming months will determine whether the country can reclaim its peace and security or continue to slide into lawlessness and fear. The kidnapping epidemic is not just a security issue—it is a reflection of the broader challenges facing Nigeria, from economic inequality to political instability.
As the nation grapples with this crisis, one thing is clear: the status quo is untenable. The time for half-measures and empty promises is over. Nigerians deserve to live in a country where they can go about their daily lives without fear of abduction. It is up to the government and security agencies to rise to the occasion and deliver on their most basic responsibility—ensuring the safety and security of every citizen.
Political Implications: A Crisis of Confidence and Governance
The kidnapping epidemic in Nigeria is more than just a criminal issue; it is a profound political crisis that threatens the very foundation of governance and public trust in the country. The continued rise in abductions has exposed significant weaknesses in the Nigerian state, undermining the credibility of both the government and its security apparatus. The political implications of this crisis are far-reaching and multifaceted, touching on issues of governance, public perception, and the broader socio-political landscape of the country.
Erosion of Public Trust in Government
One of the most immediate political consequences of the kidnapping crisis is the erosion of public trust in the government. Nigerians expect their government to provide basic security and protect them from threats, yet the persistent failure to curb kidnapping has led to widespread disillusionment. This erosion of trust is particularly damaging in a country where public confidence in state institutions is already fragile.
The government’s inability to effectively address the kidnapping epidemic has fuelled a perception of incompetence and indifference among political leaders. This perception is not limited to any single administration but extends across successive governments, which have all struggled to contain the crisis. As a result, there is a growing sentiment that the government is either incapable or unwilling to protect its citizens, a belief that has dangerous implications for national stability.
Political Exploitation and Blame Game
The kidnapping crisis has also become a potent tool for political exploitation. In Nigeria’s highly polarised political environment, opposition parties and critics have seized on the government’s failures to combat kidnapping as a means to undermine its legitimacy. This has led to a blame game where the ruling party is often portrayed as inept, corrupt, or complicit in the crisis.
Political opponents have used the kidnapping issue to galvanise support, particularly in regions where the crisis is most acute. By highlighting the government’s failures, they aim to sway public opinion and gain political advantage. This dynamic has further deepened political divisions in the country, making it even more challenging to achieve a unified and effective response to the crisis.
Impact on National Security Policy
The kidnapping crisis has significant implications for Nigeria’s national security policy. The government’s response to the crisis—or lack thereof—has exposed the inadequacies of its current security strategies. This has prompted calls for a comprehensive overhaul of national security policies, including the need for better coordination among security agencies, increased funding for security operations, and the adoption of more sophisticated technology for tracking and apprehending criminals.
Moreover, the crisis has highlighted the need for a more proactive and intelligence-driven approach to national security. The reliance on reactive measures, such as deploying troops after kidnappings have occurred, has proven insufficient. There is a growing consensus among security experts that the government must invest in preventive strategies, including the use of technology to monitor criminal activities and the strengthening of local law enforcement agencies.
Strain on Federal-Regional Relations
The kidnapping crisis has also strained relations between the federal government and regional governments, particularly in states where the crisis is most severe. Governors and local leaders in affected regions have often criticised the federal government for not doing enough to address the problem. This has led to tensions and, in some cases, calls for greater autonomy in managing regional security issues.
The federal government’s perceived inaction has also spurred some state governments to take matters into their own hands, establishing local security outfits and vigilante groups to combat the crisis. While these efforts reflect the desperation of local leaders to protect their communities, they also raise concerns about the potential for fragmentation of national security efforts and the rise of unregulated armed groups.
Threat to National Unity
The kidnapping crisis poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s national unity. The widespread fear and insecurity it generates have the potential to exacerbate existing ethnic and religious tensions, particularly in regions where kidnapping is linked to broader insurgencies or communal conflicts. The failure to effectively address the crisis could lead to further disillusionment and alienation among affected communities, potentially fuelling separatist sentiments or giving rise to new forms of insurgency.
Moreover, the crisis has the potential to destabilise the country politically. If left unchecked, the pervasive sense of insecurity could lead to widespread civil unrest, particularly in regions where the government is seen as having lost control. Such unrest could threaten the stability of the state and undermine the democratic process, particularly in the run-up to elections.
International Perception and Diplomatic Relations
The kidnapping crisis has also affected Nigeria’s international reputation. As reports of abductions, particularly of foreign nationals, continue to make headlines, Nigeria is increasingly being viewed as a high-risk destination for foreign investments and tourism. This has significant economic implications, as the country struggles to attract the foreign capital needed for development.
Furthermore, the crisis has strained Nigeria’s diplomatic relations, particularly with countries whose citizens have been targeted by kidnappers. The inability of the Nigerian government to guarantee the safety of foreign nationals has led to tensions and, in some cases, travel advisories against visiting the country. This has further isolated Nigeria on the global stage and compounded its security challenges.
The Need for Political Will and Reform
The political implications of Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis are profound and multifaceted. At its core, the crisis reflects a deeper failure of governance and a lack of political will to address the root causes of insecurity in the country. To restore public confidence and ensure national stability, the government must take decisive action to reform its security apparatus, strengthen the rule of law, and address the socio-economic conditions that fuel crime.
This will require not only a commitment to investing in security infrastructure but also a willingness to confront the systemic corruption and inefficiency that have hampered efforts to combat kidnapping. Without such reforms, the kidnapping crisis will continue to undermine Nigeria’s political stability, economic development, and national unity, with potentially devastating consequences for the future of the country.
