The need for improved intelligence gathering to prevent kidnappings in Abuja

The recent abduction of over 23 residents in Dei-Dei town, situated off the Kubwa-Zuba Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is a stark reminder of the escalating wave of mass kidnappings in Abuja.

This unfortunate incident unfolded in three housing estates in the area, bringing to the fore the disconcerting reality that kidnappings, often orchestrated by individuals donning military uniforms, persist despite official denials from the police.

The details of this incident, reported with vivid clarity, underscore the urgency of addressing the pervasive insecurity that has gripped the nation’s capital.

The testimonies from those directly affected paint a chilling picture of the ruthlessness of the kidnappers. Yet, the police, through the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, promptly dismissed the incident, asserting, “This is not true, disregard please.”

This denial by the police is unacceptable and highlights the need for a more proactive approach to addressing the security challenges in Abuja. The safety and security of residents should be a top priority for the authorities, and they must take urgent steps to curb the rising cases of kidnappings in the city.It is also important to note that the use of military uniforms by kidnappers is a disturbing trend that must be addressed.

The authorities must ensure that military uniforms are not easily accessible to criminals, and those found guilty of using them to commit crimes must face the full wrath of the law.

It is a wake-up call for the authorities to take urgent action to address the rising cases of kidnappings in Abuja. The safety and security of residents must be a top priority, and the use of military uniforms by kidnappers must be curbed.

The police must also take reports of such incidents seriously and investigate them thoroughly to ensure that justice is served.

Meanwhile, the recent incident involving Barrister Chris Agidy, the senior legislative aide to Senator Ned Nwoko, is truly shocking and tragic. The fact that 12 out of the 19 victims were allegedly killed by the kidnappers is just devastating. It’s understandable that this has created a sense of fear and apprehension among the residents of the city.

The data you shared about the Kuje Area Council being a hotspot for kidnappings is concerning. The surge in kidnapping incidents documented by the Nextier Violent Conflict Database highlights the urgent need for security reforms to address this issue.

The statistics from January 2021 to June 2023, with 40 kidnap cases and 236 victims, are alarming. Not only do these incidents result in human tragedies, but they also lead to significant economic losses, with substantial ransom payments made.

The SB Morgen report ranking Abuja 11th among places with rampant abductions further emphasises the need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to tackle this menace. It’s crucial for the authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of the residents.

We must come together as a community and support initiatives aimed at curbing these kidnappings. Everyone deserves to live in a city where they feel safe and protected.

It is disheartening, in our view, that Nigeria, with its rich history and potential, is marred by a negative global perception for kidnapping. Nine years after the Chibok girls’ abduction marked a turning point, the nation grapples with an unabated surge in mass kidnappings. This criminal enterprise has not only persisted but has evolved into a sophisticated and lucrative business for criminal elements.

Even legislative interventions, such as the law enacted last year imposing a minimum of 15 years in prison for ransom payment and capital punishment for cases resulting in the victims’ death, have not yielded the desired outcomes. The effectiveness of such measures remains questionable, and it underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat kidnappings.

One of the fundamental steps in this strategy should be the provision of adequate resources to security agencies, enabling them to respond more effectively to kidnap cases.

Collaboration with local communities for reliable intelligence is pivotal, emphasising the necessity of community-oriented policing. The “Rescue Me App” launched by the Nigerian police should be optimized and widely publicised, ensuring its effectiveness as a tool for public safety.

Strict punishment for kidnappers must be enforced, serving as a deterrent to potential perpetrators. The Nigerian government should intensify efforts to strengthen law enforcement agencies, preventing and responding to kidnappings. This involves increased police presence, enhanced border controls, and the establishment of security checkpoints.

However, addressing the root causes of kidnapping is equally crucial. Socioeconomic issues contribute significantly to the prevalence of this crime. Therefore, a holistic approach that addresses these underlying problems will be instrumental in reducing incidents of kidnapping. Focusing on socioeconomic development, education, and job creation will help create a more secure and stable environment, ultimately mitigating the appeal of kidnapping as a criminal enterprise.

Another fundamental issue is for security agencies to do a thorough soul searching and self assessment to weed out compromised elements within its ranks. Reports of security personnel assisting kidnappers are becoming too common for comfort.

While the immediate priority is to rescue the 23 abducted residents, the longer-term response to this crisis must be robust and comprehensive. Abuja needs to be a safe city for all its residents.

In the face of this grim reality, both the authorities and the people of Abuja must join hands to end the scourge of mass kidnappings and restore peace and stability to the city.