[The Polity with Senator Reformed] Nigeria’s Kidnapping Epidemic: A National Emergency — By Senator Reformed

Kidnap-for-ransom has entrenched itself as one of the most lucrative criminal enterprises in present-day Nigeria. And the staggering revelation by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024 lays bare the terrifying extent of this scourge. Such an amount is not just a figure; it represents the tears, agony, and struggles of countless households forced to part with hard-earned money in a desperate bid to save their loved ones. This unpalatable reality is a national emergency that calls for urgent and decisive action.

The NBS report revealed that 65 percent of households affected by kidnapping paid ransoms during the period under review, with an average ransom amount of N2.67 million. Over 2.2 million incidents of kidnapping were recorded nationwide, with rural areas experiencing more cases than urban centers. The North-West zone, recording over 1.4 million cases, bore the heaviest burden. These figures illustrate how deeply this menace has permeated every corner of the country, leaving no region untouched. Kidnapping has infact morphed into a thriving industry, with criminal networks emboldened by the ineffectiveness of security agencies and the complacency of political leaders.

It should, however, be noted that this terrifying development stems from the convergence of numerous factors. Poverty and unemployment reign supreme. With over 40 percent of Nigerians living below the poverty line and youth unemployment reaching alarming levels, many young people are left with few options. Kidnapping offers a fast, albeit criminal, route to wealth for these vulnerable minds. Corruption within the security agencies also exacerbates the problem. Cases abound of compromised officers who either collaborate with criminals or frustrate efforts to bring them to justice. This lack of trust in the system often forces victims to pay ransoms which further fuels the cycle of this crime.

It should also be noted that Nigeria’s porous borders and the unchecked influx of small arms have made it easier for criminal groups to operate. Meanwhile, the justice system, plagued by inefficiency and delays, has failed to deliver swift punishment to offenders. This failure emboldens kidnappers, who now operate with a disturbing level of impunity. Also, the government’s lack of a coordinated approach to tackling insecurity has created an enabling environment for the proliferation of this menace.

The payment of ransom, while understandable in the context of saving lives, has turned kidnapping into an irresistible venture for criminals. Like I said earlier, N2.23 trillion is not just a mere amount, but an economic signal that has attracted more perpetrators into this dark trade. As Paul Collier noted in Greed and Grievance in Civil War, when criminality becomes profitable, it continues to grow unless decisive action is taken. Nigeria now finds itself in this exact predicament.

Just a few weeks ago, I joined many others in a distressing experience. A dear friend’s father, while traveling, was kidnapped, and the family was faced with the impossible task of raising N100 million for his release. In response, we distributed flyers, seeking donations to secure his freedom. The emotional toll was devastating, as we watched a family torn apart, with every moment intensifying the fear of the unknown. The trauma of the experience is one that no Nigerian should endure, yet it remains a reality for so many. This personal experience reinforced the need for drastic action and served as a painful reminder of the human cost of Nigeria’s kidnapping epidemic.

The solutions to this menace are neither simple nor instantaneous, but they are achievable. First, the government must address the socio-economic conditions that drive people into crime. Creating jobs, providing vocational training, and supporting small businesses can give vulnerable youths an alternative to criminal activities. An economic expert once described economic empowerment as “not just a necessity but a moral obligation of any responsible government.” As Mahatma Gandhi aptly put it, “Poverty is the worst form of violence.” Hence, addressing poverty and unemployment is therefore a critical step toward dismantling the kidnapping economy.

Strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture is equally crucial. Security agencies must be equipped with modern tools, trained in advanced techniques, and adequately funded to respond swiftly to criminal activities. Intelligence gathering must be prioritized, and the use of technology such as surveillance drones and data analytics should become standard practice. Community policing, which involves local residents in security efforts, can also play an important role in identifying and apprehending criminals.

The judiciary must also rise to the occasion. The slow pace of justice has made crime a low-risk, high-reward venture. Special courts should be established to handle kidnapping cases, ensuring swift trials and deterrent punishments. Furthermore, the government must ensure that laws against kidnapping are strictly enforced, leaving no room for impunity. Corruption, which weakens every facet of Nigeria’s governance and security framework, must be tackled head-on. Whistleblower mechanisms and independent oversight bodies should be emboldened to help expose and address corrupt practices within security agencies.

Border security must also be strengthened to curb the influx of small arms and the movement of criminal groups across Nigeria’s porous frontiers. Collaboration with neighboring countries is essential to achieve this objective. Meanwhile, public awareness campaigns can help educate citizens on the dangers of paying ransoms and the importance of reporting incidents to the authorities.

The government must create an environment that discourages criminal behaviour while instilling public trust in state institutions. It is unacceptable for Nigeria, a nation of immense potential, to continue losing its citizens to the horrors of kidnapping. As Nelson Mandela once observed, “Safety and security don’t just happen; they are the result of collective consensus and public investment.” Nigeria’s leaders must demonstrate the political will to confront this menace which has become a national emergency with the urgency it demands.

The rising spate of kidnappings is therefore a clear sign that all is not well in Nigeria. The N2.23 trillion paid as ransom in one year should alarm every Nigerian and serve as a wake-up call to the government. This is not just about statistics or economic losses; it is about the soul of a nation under siege. Nigeria cannot afford to allow kidnapping to become a norm. It is time to act decisively, rebuild public trust, and restore security. Anything less would be a betrayal of the people’s trust and a failure of the social contract between the government and its citizens.

Senator Reformed, a journalist, writes from Ibadan.