Curbing the kidnapping epidemic
Kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria has transitioned from an occasional crime to a nationwide epidemic, devastating families, communities, and the national economy. The frequency of abductions has reached alarming levels, affecting all sectors of society and fuelling widespread fear and insecurity.
In February 2025 alone, high-profile kidnappings underscored the urgency of this crisis. One such case involved the abduction of Eniola Olajuni, the leader of the Afenifere Youth Council, who was taken while travelling to Abuja. His captors demanded a ransom of ¦ 100 million, illustrating the growing audacity of these criminal gangs. This incident exemplifies the escalating scale of kidnapping, which increasingly targets both influential figures and ordinary citizens.
Another disturbing case saw retired Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga, former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), held captive for 22 days in Katsina State by bandits earlier in 2025. These abductions demonstrate how kidnapping has become a lucrative industry for criminal syndicates, generating millions of naira from desperate families, businesses, and individuals.
With ransoms frequently reaching exorbitant amounts, the financial strain on affected households is unsustainable. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigerians paid a staggering ¦ 2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024 alone, with the average ransom per incident amounting to ¦ 2.67 million. This crisis has not only impoverished families but also undermined public confidence in the government’s ability to provide security.
Beyond the personal tragedies, the ripple effect of kidnapping extends to Nigeria’s broader economy. Businesses, particularly in high-risk areas, face rising costs to protect employees and facilities, diminishing the country’s appeal to foreign investors. The ever-present threat of abduction has deterred investment, stalled job creation, and slowed economic growth. Kidnapping has thus become a direct threat to Nigeria’s stability and future prosperity.
Despite efforts by the authorities—including security raids, arrests, and negotiations—the results have been largely ineffective. One of the core issues is the leniency of the legal system. High-profile cases, such as that of Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, whose kidnappings made national headlines, highlight this weakness. Despite his notoriety, Evans is currently seeking a plea bargain—an outcome that underscores the failure of the legal system to deter such heinous crimes. This leniency sends a dangerous message to criminals, who weigh the rewards of abduction against the relatively light consequences.
The Nigerian government must consider introducing harsher punishments, including the death penalty, for convicted kidnappers. While controversial, such a measure could serve as a powerful deterrent, particularly when compared to the significant financial incentives that drive this crime. In countries such as India, strict penalties have proven to be effective deterrents against serious crimes, reinforcing the argument for stronger measures in Nigeria.
However, the introduction of the death penalty should not be viewed as a standalone solution but rather as part of a broader strategy. The government must also prioritise improving law enforcement capabilities through better funding, enhanced intelligence gathering, and advanced security infrastructure. Equally important is addressing the root causes of criminality—poverty, unemployment, and lack of education—that often drive individuals into the hands of criminal syndicates.
The kidnapping epidemic in Nigeria is a multifaceted crisis that requires urgent and coordinated action at every level of government. While the imposition of the death penalty is a contentious issue, it must be seriously considered as part of a broader effort to curb this devastating crime. Strengthening law enforcement, enhancing security infrastructure, and addressing the socio-economic drivers of crime are all critical steps in restoring security and stability.
The system must instil a sense of fear in potential offenders, and this can only be achieved by enforcing severe punishments, including, perhaps, the imposition of the death penalty for convicted kidnappers. The scale of the crisis demands a response that goes beyond conventional measures. If Nigeria takes swift and decisive action, there is hope that the tide can be turned, restoring safety to its citizens and confidence in the state’s ability to protect them.
Only through comprehensive and resolute action can Nigeria hope to reclaim control over its streets and safeguard the future of its people.
