Kidnapping, a heinous crime, cannot be condoned under any circumstances. The situation in Nigeria, plagued by various security challenges, including the presence of militant groups and criminal organisations, requires a multifaceted approach to address its root causes.
The report by Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, a security risk management and intelligence company based in Abuja, has shown at least 2,583 people were killed and 2,164 kidnapped in the first quarter of this year 2024.
The data, which recorded the number of killings and abductions across the country from January to March, indicated that 80 per cent of the killings and 94 per cent of the abductions occurred in the Northern part of Nigeria.
This report, however, varied with the position of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who said that the casualty figures were going down. The consulting firm’s report showed that an average of 28 persons were killed and 24 kidnapped daily.
The Nigerian government, according to the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, had earlier this month, during the maiden edition of the annual lecture series organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja, said the security situation had improved.
The number of casualty figures in zones, states the data from the Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited revealed that of the people killed during the period, 793 were from the North-West, 681 from the North-East and 596 from the North-Central. The casualties were recorded from bandits’ attacks, farmers/herders’ conflicts and communal clashes.
The South-West recorded 194 killings, the South-South, 161 people; and South-East, 158. The five states with the highest number of killings were Borno, 517; Benue, 313; Katsina, 252; Zamfara, 212 and Kaduna, 206. On abductions the data showed that of the 2,164 persons abducted within the period, 1,297 were kidnapped in the North-West, 421 in the North-East, 330 in the North-Central, 30 in the South-West, 66 in the South-South and 20 in the South-East.
Kaduna State recorded the highest number of abductees with 546; Zamfara, 447; Borno, 340; Katsina, 252 and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 102. Experts hope the present government under President Bola Tinubu will do the needful.
Firstly, addressing the socioeconomic factors that contribute to kidnapping is crucial. High unemployment rates, poverty, and lack of economic opportunities push individuals towards criminal activities. Investing in education, job creation programmes, and infrastructure development can help alleviate these issues and provide alternatives to crime.
Secondly, strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems is essential. Improving police training, equipping them with necessary resources, and enhancing collaboration between security agencies can help in apprehending criminals and ensuring justice for victims. Additionally, enhancing the efficiency of the judicial process and holding perpetrators accountable through swift and fair trials can deter future criminal activities.
Furthermore, enhancing intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities can help in preempting kidnapping attempts and dismantling criminal networks. Cooperation between government agencies, intelligence services, and international partners can facilitate information sharing and coordination in combating organised crime.
Moreover, addressing corruption within the government and security forces is imperative. Corruption undermines efforts to combat crime by facilitating criminal activities and eroding public trust in institutions. Implementing anti-corruption measures, promoting transparency, and holding corrupt officials accountable can help in restoring trust and integrity within the system.
Community engagement and empowerment play a vital role in preventing kidnapping and other crimes. Building strong community relationships, fostering trust between residents and law enforcement agencies, and promoting community-based initiatives can help in identifying and addressing security threats at the grassroots level.
Finally, kidnapping in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. Addressing socioeconomic factors, strengthening law enforcement and judicial systems, enhancing intelligence capabilities, combating corruption, engaging communities, and promoting international cooperation are all crucial components in combating kidnapping and improving security in the country. However, it’s important to remember that any strategy must prioritise human rights, the rule of law, and the protection of innocent lives.
Badamasi Junaidu, wrote from Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi, [email protected]
