CURBING THE MENACE OF KIDNAPPING

Kidnapping has escalated into a seemingly intractable menace in parts of Nigeria, with gangs growing increasingly bold and daring. This crime, particularly kidnap-for-ransom, poses a significant security challenge that demands concrete government action and determination.

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not less than 257 people were kidnapped in Nigeria’s South-East between July 2024 and June 2025.

While the North is often considered the epicenter of abductions, kidnapping operations in the South-East exhibit distinct characteristics. These operations are largely commercially motivated, with high-net-worth individuals, travelers, and members of the clergy frequently targeted. A recent security report by SBM Intelligence revealed that between July 2024 and June 2025, no fewer than 257 people were kidnapped in Nigeria's South-East. During this period, kidnappers demanded N1.005 billion in ransom, but only received N157.55 million.

Specific cases highlight the severity of the situation. In December 2024, Reverend Father Gerald Ohaeri of Nsukka Diocese was kidnapped, with a reported ransom of N40 million paid. Similarly, a Catholic engineer in Anambra State's Njikoka local government area was abducted in November 2024, with his abductors demanding N50 million. These figures underscore the financial stakes involved in these criminal activities.

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out of N1.005bn in ransom demanded by the kidnappers in the South-East over the period, the kidnappers got only N157.55m.

An increasingly disturbing trend is that paying ransom no longer guarantees the safe release of abductees. Kidnappers have become more ruthless, sometimes killing their victims even after receiving the demanded ransom. A stark example is the case of businessman Mr. Charles Nwolisa, who was shot by his abductors in Anambra State in 2023 after they collected their ransom. Left critically injured, he was rushed to a hospital by passers-by. Following this harrowing experience, Mr. Nwolisa, like many others in his situation, fled the country in 2024, vowing not to return due to the pervasive insecurity. This raises the critical question of how long such individuals, who are prime targets, will continue to desert their homeland because of the rampant activities of kidnappers.

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paying of ransom no longer guarantees the safe release of the abductees.