Nigeria recorded 16.3 per cent lower in kidnapping for ransom incidents in 2024.
Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, the Nationwide Coordinator of the Nationwide Counter Terrorism Middle, Workplace of the Nationwide Safety Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) made this recognized whereas briefing newsmen on the actions of the Multi-Company Anti-kidnap Fusion Cell, on Thursday in Abuja.
He stated that kidnapping for ransom posed a major safety problem in 2024, with non-state actors reminiscent of bandits, terrorists, cultists, militants and secessionist teams exploiting the crime for pecuniary beneficial properties and funding of illicit actions.
Mr Laka promised to provide the small print subsequently.
He stated that despite some enhancements, the menace had remained a critical menace to nationwide safety, socioeconomic actions and meals manufacturing throughout the nation.
“On account of efforts by the present administration beneath the Nationwide Safety Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, in 2024 Nigeria recorded 16.3 per cent lower in incidents in comparison with 2023.
“The variety of incidents elevated barely by 0.27 per cent, with Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara within the North-West accounted for the very best prevalence, with 13.8 per cent of complete incidents and 61.1 per cent victims of the overall recorded instances.
“Developments and Impression of kidnapping incidents in 2024 occurred in rural and concrete communities, focusing on villages, colleges, highways, and residential areas,” he stated.
Laka stated that despite measures taken in the direction of decreasing incidents, mass abductions endured, leaving agrarian communities abandoned, disrupting meals manufacturing, and driving meals costs greater.
He added that the sustained cost of ransom had additionally proceed to gasoline the crime, including that perpetrators exploit households’ fears to demand exorbitant sums.
He stated that the federal authorities had applied each kinetic and non-kinetic measures to fight the menace and had achieved vital outcomes, reminiscent of rescue of hostages, neutralising and arresting kidnapping kingpins.
Based on him, the criminals have continued to adapt and strengthen their capability utilizing proceeds from ransom funds.
The coordinator disclosed that the federal government had projected that kidnapping for ransom would persist in 2025 resulting from its monetary incentives however had strengthened counter-kidnapping initiatives.
Based on him, efforts have been expanded to the six geo-political areas; improved collaborations with the 36 state governments and strengthened public confidence in authorities safety to discourage ransom funds.
Different measures in keeping with him, embody engagement of state governments to deal with unemployment and financial vulnerabilities that drive people to crime.
He added that communities affected by mass abductions should be supported to revive livelihoods and meals manufacturing, stopping additional socioeconomic disruptions.
“The Nigerian Communication Fee has facilitated an emergency response quantity 112.
“The NCTC calls on all Nigerians to report suspicious actions, crimes, kidnapping, amongst others, by calling the toll-free quantity 112, together with the Multi-Company Anti-kidnap Fusion Cell designated numbers that will probably be supplied to members of the general public.
“Kidnapping for ransom stays a crucial problem requiring collective and intensified efforts by all stakeholders.
“Whereas vital progress was achieved in 2024, sustained dedication and progressive approaches are crucial to mitigate the menace in 2025,” he stated.NAN
