Issues Of Kidnapping In Nigeria -By Inonoje Annabel Ogbenefejiro

One major crime that needs to be demolished in Nigeria and other countries is Kidnapping. Kidnapping may be defined as the unlawful treatment and confinement of a person against his or her will by means of force, coercion and threat often in demand to collect ransom from the victim. It is universally classified as a grave felony and a severe violation of personal liberty generally committed to demand a ransom, exact revenge, or subject the victim to exploitation.

Years past, the crime of kidnapping has become a major security challenge in many parts of the world, including Nigeria. One major effect of kidnapping is the unlawful capture and abduction of an individual without legal authority. Another element is Movement, the intentional relocation or carrying away of the victim to a different location and place. Another element is Lack of consent, the act is committed against the victim’s will or without the valid consent of a legal guardian.

The case of Kidnapping is a serious issue and crime in Nigeria because it makes the citizens of the country develop fear and lack of enthusiasm in governmental development to make themselves safe. If this crime is studied and taken care of, Nigeria will be a safe nation. The purpose of this article is to reach out to the bad governance in Nigeria and other countries to damage the crime, kidnapping. It is to ensure freedom of movement of the citizens of a country, and to prevent isolation of the people of the nation.

The causes of kidnapping are the reason for the crime, primarily driven by unemployment, poverty, greed, weak security measures, and corruption. Unemployment and poverty remain major factors; unemployment refers to the state of being jobless, while poverty is the lack of financial resources. This is evident when youths cannot find legitimate job opportunities after achieving excellent results in higher institutions, leaving them vulnerable to criminal influence. Furthermore, poverty forces individuals to believe that crime is the only avenue to financial success. Greed and the desire for quick money also reflect a selfish pursuit of wealth without hard labor, as some individuals develop a preference for easy work due to laziness.

Additionally, weak security systems and corruption exacerbate the problem. Nigeria does not practice a sufficiently strong security system, which allows criminals to exploit vulnerabilities. For instance, lagoon areas like Lagos present an advantage for criminals to transport, transfer, and change their locations using sea transportation. Corruption, defined as a lack of purity and integrity, weakens law enforcement and increases insecurity, making it easier for kidnappers to operate freely.

The effects and outcomes of this crime are devastating, including the loss of lives, severe injuries, widespread fear, economic losses, and deep emotional and psychological trauma for victims and their families. Victims are constantly threatened, and their ultimate safety depends entirely on the kidnappers’ quest for ransom. During captivity, criminals maltreat victims and strip away their fundamental rights. Even after release, the experience leaves lasting health issues, including depression, memory loss, and anxiety, which families must also endure.

To prevent kidnapping, concerted efforts must be made to improve security and enforce the law to protect citizens and promote national safety. Creating employment opportunities and vocational training programs for youths is crucial to addressing the root economic causes and fostering equality. Public education on safety measures is also necessary to teach people how to protect themselves and their communities during emergencies. Furthermore, community vigilance must be encouraged, urging societies to remain watchful at night and report any suspicious activities or persons to the law enforcement agencies.

Recent instances underscore the urgency of the situation. In the Oyo State school abduction of May 2026, armed men raided a secondary and two primary schools in the Oriire district, abducting 39 students and seven teachers. During the same month, a mass kidnapping occurred in Borno State where gunmen on motorcycles stormed three schools, abducting 50 children, including toddlers and nursery pupils.

In conclusion, kidnapping remains a critical challenge driven by unemployment, corruption, and systemic insecurity. When youth lack opportunities and enforcement systems are compromised, criminal networks thrive. If the Nigerian government highly organizes and executes these safety, security, and economic measures, the nation will transform into a comfortable, safe, and pleasant home for all citizens.

PLEASE BRING OUR CHILDREN BACK!!