A Security Expert, Mr Seyi Babaeko, says the spate of kidnapping in the country is alarmingly increasing, necessitating strategic approach to tackle it.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos, Babaeko, said that a multifaceted approach was necessary to curb the trend.
According to him, recent data from the Beacon Intel Report indicates a sharp rise in kidnapping cases in Nigeria, with incidents increasing from 807 in September 2024 to 971 in October 2024, a 20.32 per cent surge.
“This stark contrast to the 11.03 per cent decline recorded in September underscores the evolving threat.
“The North West remains the most affected region, with the emergence of the Tarlakawa terrorist group playing a significant role, ” he said.
The expert said that the widespread practice of paying ransoms had inadvertently fueled the kidnapping industry.
“Paying ransoms may offer short-term relief to families, it emboldens criminals, creating a vicious cycle of abductions,” he said.
Babaeko said that socioeconomic challenges, particularly unemployment, were frequently cited as drivers of criminal behavior, which this does not justify any form of crime.
He said that some kidnappings were tied to grievances stemming from money-related disputes, where aggrieved individuals resort to abductions as retaliation.
According to him, a significant barrier to resolving kidnapping cases is the reluctance of families to report incidents to authorities, often due to fear of retaliation.
To combat the trend, Babaeko said that there was need to reconsider ransom payments.
“Evidence from global anti-kidnapping strategies suggests that withholding ransom payments can disincentivise perpetrators.
“However, this approach must be complemented by effective alternatives, such as improving the capacity of security agencies to conduct swift rescue operations and enhancing intelligence networks to preempt kidnappings,” he said
He appealed to the government to address underlying socioeconomic drivers.
“Government and private-sector initiatives must focus on creating job opportunities, skill acquisition programs, and entrepreneurship support, particularly in regions most affected by kidnappings, ” he said.
According to him, public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in combating kidnapping.
“Educating citizens on preventive measures, such as avoiding predictable routines and reporting suspicious activities, can reduce their vulnerability.
“Awareness initiatives should also emphasise the legal consequences of engaging in or abetting kidnappings, reinforcing a culture of accountability, ” he said.
He said that strengthening law enforcement and community trust would help.
“Addressing this requires restoring public confidence in the police and criminal justice system.
“Establishing a robust witness protection program and improving response times and operational efficiency of security agencies and ensuring transparency and accountability in police operations.
“Strengthening the judiciary to ensure timely and fair dispute settlements.
“Communities must be actively involved in security efforts. The government should invest in community policing, enabling local vigilante groups to work collaboratively with formal security forces, ” he said.
He urged the government to tackle emerging threats.
“The activities of groups like the Tarlakawa terrorist group highlight the need for targeted counterterrorism strategies.
“Intelligence-led operations, alongside deradicalisation programmes, can disrupt these groups’ operations and prevent their expansion, ” he said.
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