This report features retired Assistant Director of Internal Security (SSS), Adam Abuh, urging citizens to prioritize personal security by learning tips, staying vigilant, and reporting suspicious activities.
For years, Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges that have severely impacted its economy. These issues vary geographically, with Boko Haram’s terrorism plaguing the northern regions, while separatist movements such as the Biafra agitation in the southeast and the Yoruba nation agitation in the southwest further complicate the country’s security dynamics.
Under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, incidents such as Boko Haram attacks, militancy, armed robbery, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom surged significantly. These challenges were compounded by Fulani herder-farmer clashes and cultism.
A recent Crime Experience and Perception Survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlighted alarming data: from May 2023 to April 2024, over N2.23 trillion was paid as ransom for kidnapping victims under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The report estimated a staggering 51.89 million crime incidents nationwide, with 51% occurring in rural areas. Kidnapping incidents alone accounted for 2.24 million cases, with rural areas recording more occurrences (1.67 million) compared to urban centres (567,850).
The North-West and North-Central zones reported the highest prevalence, while the South-East experienced the fewest cases. Nearly half of the abductions (49.3%) occurred at or near victims’ homes, followed by street kidnappings (19.4%) and incidents during vehicle travel (15.2%). Alarmingly, of the reported cases, 12.8% of victims were killed, while 3.3% remained in captivity.
READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: US Tax Reform to Focus on Individuals, Natural
Households that reported kidnappings to the police accounted for 80.5% of cases, and 65% of victims’ families paid ransoms, amounting to an average of N2.7 million per case. Urban households paid higher ransoms (N3.7 million) than those in rural areas (N2.3 million).
Meanwhile, a Dataphyte report revealed that despite substantial federal funding allocated to seven key security agencies, these crimes persist.
The report stated that between 2020 and 2024, the federal government approved N9.17 trillion for seven security units, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Air Force, Nigeria Navy, the NSCDC, and the Ministries of Police and Defence. Despite this investment, there has been no significant improvement in the security situation.
In an exclusive interview with NEW DAILY PRIME, a leading security expert and retired Assistant Director of Internal Security (SSS), Adam Abuh, provided recommendations on how kidnapping and ransom payments can be prevented.
The member of the American Society of Industrial Security and a Fellow of the International Institute of Professional Security (FIIPS) urged the government to adopt a more proactive approach to ensure the safety of citizens and restore public trust in the nation’s security systems.
Excerpt
NEW DAILY PRIME: How effective have Nigeria’s security agencies been, considering the amount of money paid in ransom?
ADAM: The security agencies are doing their best, considering the resources available to them—personnel, technology, armaments, and cooperation from stakeholders, including governments and citizens, among others.
To that extent, they are making notable efforts. However, to the average Nigerian, the situation appears to be worsening, and as a result, there is little perception of success in the fight against kidnapping and insecurity overall.
Perhaps we’ll delve into the reasons for this in your next question, but for now, it’s clear that this is the unfortunate reality we are dealing with.
Despite the commendable efforts of the security agencies, the outcomes have fallen short of significantly improving the situation to a level that reassures the public.
READ ALSO: NLC demands immediate reversal of petrol price hike
At present, citizens do not feel secure. Many cannot go to bed and sleep with peace of mind, knowing they are safe. This underscores the gravity of the challenges we face.
NEW DAILY: What are the main challenges faced by security operatives in preventing and responding to kidnapping cases in Nigeria?
ADAM: If we are talking specifically about kidnapping, as you know, for those of us in security and intelligence, it is the modus operandi used by terrorists, insurgents, and other criminal elements to carry out their activities. In our country, it has also become a business for some unscrupulous individuals who claim they cannot cope with the economic situation.
But let me outline the challenges. First, we must consider the size and scope of the criminal elements involved in the kidnapping industry. This will help you understand the enormity of the situation.
We have terrorists, for instance, who kidnap to generate funds to support their activities. Then there are bandits who also resort to kidnapping to fund their acts of banditry. Banditry is primarily driven by economic motives, but when resources are lacking, they turn to kidnapping as an alternative means of income.
In Nigeria today, there are so many groups involved in terrorism and criminal activities that you might not even imagine. For instance, we have Boko Haram, bandits with 3G payloads, and newer groups like the Lakurawas.
In the East, we have the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and several other groups operating under the guise of businesses. Moving to the herdsmen, some of them have also turned to kidnapping. Cases involving them are reported almost daily.
Additionally, there are independent individuals who do not belong to any of these groups but engage in kidnapping purely as a business. This trend has become widespread, even in places like Lagos and other urban areas.
The sheer number of people involved in this kidnapping enterprise is alarming. And it’s worth noting that there was a time when kidnappers released victims after ransom payments. Nowadays, kidnappers often threaten or even kill victims after collecting ransom, making the situation even deadlier and leaving people living in constant fear.
Why does it persist? During the experimental phase of the cashless policy, there was a notable reduction in kidnappings because cash for ransom payments was unavailable. However, when Nigeria reverted to a cash economy, the problem resurfaced.
It’s also important to note that the ransom amount reported by the NBS is likely underestimated because many cases go unreported. Victims’ families often avoid involving the authorities due to threats from kidnappers, who promise to harm their loved ones if the police are contacted.
There are numerous other challenges. Security operatives often risk their lives, and we’ve seen instances where officers lose their lives in the line of duty, leaving their families to fend for themselves. Recently, the government announced plans to address this issue, and immediate implementation could provide some relief.
READ ALSO: Exclusive Interview: Expert warns untreated tooth decay can be life-threatening
Another issue is that some Nigerians are hesitant to support security operatives by providing information or intelligence. They fear their identities might be exposed, putting them at risk of retaliation.
Lastly, there is inadequate technology to support security agencies in conducting covert operations. These challenges collectively contribute to the persistence of the kidnapping crisis in Nigeria.
NEW DAILY: You mentioned the cashless policy. Does this mean you believe that if Nigeria had continued with the cashless policy, incidents of kidnapping, terrorism, and other related issues would have been minimized?
ADAM: Yes, it would have been significantly minimized because there would be no cash readily available. If you consider past cases where individuals used banks to transfer ransom money, security agencies have often been able to trace those accounts and make arrests. Criminals don’t want to be exposed or apprehended.For me, even beyond security, the cashless policy is the best option for our economy.
NEW DAILY PRIME: What steps can security agencies take to improve their response to kidnapping incidents?
ADAM: The first step begins with the citizens. Citizens need to take responsibility for their personal safety by educating themselves on basic security tips, even if it’s through online resources. Most importantly, they need to implement these tips in their daily lives. Many people lack situational awareness—they often fail to pay attention to those around them, their environment, or subtle signs of potential danger.
For example, when traveling by road, many neglect to assess the safety of their surroundings. They don’t consider whether the road is isolated or if suspicious activity might be occurring—they simply keep driving without caution.
Even within their communities, people tend to overlook potential risks. For instance, when unfamiliar vehicles or individuals, such as repair workers or other strangers, enter the neighborhood, they fail to observe their behavior or question their activities. We must foster a culture of vigilance where citizens are proactive in monitoring their surroundings and promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
Security agencies also have a critical role to play. First and foremost, they must recruit more personnel to ensure sufficient coverage in strategic locations. Additionally, adopting advanced technologies is essential, particularly for monitoring highways and dense forests where kidnappers often operate. At present, there is a glaring lack of technology to effectively monitor these areas remotely from centralized control centers.
The government must prioritize investments in security infrastructure, not only in public spaces but also in tools and systems that enhance intelligence gathering and response capabilities. At the same time, security personnel must be well-supported and motivated. This includes providing proper training, adequate pay, and benefits such as prompt compensation for officers injured or killed in the line of duty. These measures are essential for maintaining morale and ensuring optimal performance.
Another pressing issue is delayed response times. To address this, security forces need to establish standby units that are ready for rapid deployment during emergencies. Delayed responses give criminals the opportunity to escape or worsen the situation. Having well-equipped and strategically placed standby teams can drastically improve the effectiveness of crime prevention and response efforts.
In summary, improving security in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach. Citizens must become more aware and vigilant, while security agencies must prioritize strategic recruitment, advanced technology adoption, better resource allocation, and rapid response capabilities. Only through a combination of these measures can we make meaningful progress in addressing the kidnapping crisis and enhancing public safety.
NEW DAILY PRIME: What are the root causes of the significant increase in kidnapping cases in Nigeria?
ADAM: The primary reason for the upsurge is the increasing number of organizations, individuals, and syndicates involved in these criminal activities. It has become a well-organized enterprise, driven by greed and the lack of strong deterrents.
Another major factor is the inefficiency of our justice system. How many kidnappers or armed robbers have been sentenced to death and actually executed in the last 20 years? Virtually none. Cases drag on in court for years—10, 8, or even more—without resolution. Even when judgments are finally made, governors often lack the political will to enforce them by ordering the execution of those convicted. This sends a message of impunity to potential offenders.
There is little to no deterrence for these crimes, and that’s a critical issue. Criminals operate with confidence because they know the consequences are either minimal or non-existent. Look at other countries like Saudi Arabia or some parts of Asia. Could criminals operate like this there? No, they wouldn’t dare because the repercussions are swift and severe.
The problem in Nigeria is that punishment is not immediate, and without swift consequences, there is no deterrent effect. This must change. As we’ve said repeatedly, as long as criminals are not punished decisively, and the proceeds of crime are seen as valuable, the problem will persist.
If you’ve seen videos of how kidnappers torture their victims, it becomes evident that such individuals don’t deserve pity when apprehended. Their trials should be expedited, and justice should be served without unnecessary delay. Prolonged legal processes only embolden other criminals and further erode public confidence in the justice system.
In summary, the root causes include the growing criminal networks, the inefficiency of our justice system, and the lack of immediate and decisive punishment for offenders. Addressing these issues is critical if we are serious about tackling the kidnapping crisis in Nigeria.
NEW DAILY: Considering the causes and potential solutions, how can we address the underlying factors contributing to the rise in kidnapping?
ADAM: Well, as I mentioned earlier, the first step is for Nigerians to take greater responsibility for their personal security by learning basic security tips and cooperating with security agencies. Citizens must be proactive in staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activities promptly.
Security agencies, on their part, must ensure they are always available to respond swiftly to incidents and deploy intelligence informants to infiltrate criminal syndicates. In many cases, these agencies already receive information about planned kidnapping incidents and successfully prevent them. We’ve seen examples of this in the past. Efforts in intelligence gathering and preventative action need to be significantly scaled up.
However, these efforts require strong support from the government. The government must prioritize providing more personnel, adequate training, and advanced technology to enhance the capabilities of security operatives. Investments in surveillance systems, rapid response tools, and intelligence technology are essential to staying ahead of these criminals.
NEW DAILY: Are there any specific policies?
ADAM: Yes, we should revisit the cashless policy. The cashless policy should be reinstated because money plays a significant role in these crimes. At times, kidnappers collect large sums—10 million, 50 million at once. If such money isn’t readily available, what would they do? They would not have the same incentive to continue killing people.
It’s not sustainable for them, you understand? So, such policies need to be considered, you understand? Additionally, security agencies should strengthen their personnel capacity. By this, I mean the government should provide them with the latest technology to enable them to act quickly.
For example, imagine there’s a kidnapping incident and you need to track a phone number in a particular local government area. Currently, the security agency might have to escalate the request to their headquarters. Why can’t we have this capability at the zonal or area command level? This would allow them to respond more rapidly and save valuable time.
NEW DAILY: How can we encourage greater public participation in tackling kidnapping cases?
ADAM: Okay, I think the first step is for the average Nigerian to take advantage of the resources available on social media and the internet to educate themselves on basic security tips. For instance, they can learn what to watch out for and what measures to take to ensure their personal safety.
In this regard, the government also has a crucial role to play. Many people in rural areas, particularly those who are illiterate, may not know how to access such information. The government can organize security awareness seminars targeted at traditional rulers. I know some states have implemented such initiatives before, and I, in particular, was involved in some of them.
For example, there was a seminar designed to train traditional rulers on crisis management. It included guidance on how to recruit and manage informants within their communities, how to effectively use the information they receive, how to communicate with their people, and what to look out for, even during routine activities like going to the farm. The focus was on teaching them how to identify and report suspicious activities.
Such awareness programs should be implemented widely. Furthermore, any information obtained must not be kept to oneself. People need to trust that if they report suspicious activities to the appropriate agencies, action will be taken. The era when people feared sharing information because their lives might be at risk should be firmly behind us.
We must encourage citizens to come forward with information and assure them of their safety. Even if you provide information and don’t immediately see action being taken, it should not deter you. Security agencies sometimes pass on intelligence to the government, and the government may not act immediately due to other priorities or other intelligence sources being processed.
It’s important to remember that you’re not the only one providing information. While it may seem like nothing is happening, you must not lose hope. A time will come when your efforts will save many lives—not just your own but those of your community and the nation as a whole.
