Beyond ransom: Strategies for combating kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria

In the shadow of an alarming surge in kidnappings and the audacious ransom demands that have followed, this period has emerged as a particularly harrowing season for abductees.

The disturbing frequency with which kidnappers have brazenly herded scores of our fellow citizens into dense forests, using them as leverage for exorbitant ransoms, has cast a dark pall over the nation.

This trend is intolerable, yet it follows a perverse logic. The vast expanses of Nigeria’s territory, much of it either unmonitored or patrolled only by ill-equipped vigilante groups, present a stark contrast to the sophisticated armaments wielded by bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers.

It is imperative, therefore, that the 37 federating units of Nigeria expedite the establishment of state policing structures to enhance our national security in a manner befitting a true federal system.

The inadequacy of a centralised police force is painfully evident in the face of the dire security challenges we currently face.

State police, where financially viable, promise to address many of these vulnerabilities, assuming other conditions remain favorable, and also tackle localized issues more effectively.

While kidnapping is a national scourge, the weight of this crisis in the past week has disproportionately fallen upon the North, especially the North West and North East regions.

This is without ignoring the persistent terrorism and deadly communal conflicts in Plateau, as well as the various acts of violence in the North Central areas of Niger and Nasarawa.

The North is, without a doubt, trembling under the impact of this crisis. A case in point is the distressing incident on March 7, when armed kidnappers encircled the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School in Kuriga, within the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In a harrowing turn of events, approximately 287 pupils and teachers were corralled into the wilderness, becoming pawns in a cruel game of ransom negotiation.

Last week, President Bola Tinubu said the federal government will not pay ransom to kidnappers to secure the release of anyone abducted.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, quoted the president as having spoken during the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday.

Idris told State House correspondents after the FEC meeting that Tinubu directed the security agencies to ensure the safe return of those abducted in Kaduna and Borno states.

“Mr President reiterated his directive to security agencies and the ministry of defence to ensure that those kids that have been abducted by these criminal gangs are brought back to their homes safely,” he said.

The irony is bitter, for the compound also hosts a secondary school that had sought refuge there in pursuit of safety amidst the escalating insecurity — only to be caught in the throes of an attack.

The recent spate of kidnappings in Nigeria is a cause for great concern.

In just the past few weeks, hundreds of innocent people have been snatched from their homes, schools, and even internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

The situation is particularly dire in the North West, where bandits have been terrorising communities and abducting schoolchildren.

One particularly harrowing incident occurred in Kaduna State, where gunmen stormed a primary school and abducted dozens of pupils and teachers. One witness, a newly recruited teacher, described the horror of seeing the bandits surround the school premises.

Though he managed to escape, many others were not so lucky.

Similar incidents have been reported in other parts of the country, including Borno State in the North East, where Amnesty International claims that 400 people were abducted from IDP camps. This is a double tragedy, as these camps are supposed to be safe havens for citizens fleeing violence and conflict.It is clear that urgent action is needed to address this crisis.

The government must take decisive steps to improve security in affected areas and bring the perpetrators of these crimes to justice.

Communities must also be empowered to protect themselves, through measures such as the establishment of vigilante groups.Above all, we must not lose hope. Despite the scale of the challenge, we must remain resolute in our determination to build a safer, more secure Nigeria for all its citizens.

The audacious demand of N1 billion by bandits to release the Chikun 287 hostages within 20 days is a stark display of arrogance and overconfidence. It reflects the government’s apparent weakness and lack of control over the situation.

However, it could also be a desperate attempt by the bandits to secure funds for their criminal activities.

The government must utilise all available resources to counter this threat, including accepting external assistance to rescue the hostages and dismantle the criminal network. Non-kinetic measures, such as poverty alleviation programs and youth empowerment initiatives, should also be implemented to address the root causes of terrorism and prevent future attacks.

Technology, particularly in tracking communication and disrupting criminal networks, is essential in combating this threat. Paying ransom only fuels further violence and must be avoided at all costs.

The government’s stance against ransom payment is commendable and should be upheld.

Intelligence gathering and sharing are crucial in preventing future kidnappings and attacks.

The establishment of state police forces with strong intelligence capabilities is imperative in enhancing security and preventing criminal activities.

Vigilante groups can also be trained and incorporated into the state police to bolster security efforts. The current security challenges highlight the urgent need for a decentralized approach to law enforcement.

State police forces must be empowered with adequate training and resources to effectively combat terrorism and banditry.

The time for decisive action is now to ensure the safety and stability of our nation.