In a renewed effort to combat ransom-driven abductions, the Federal Government has activated the toll-free 112 emergency number for Nigerians to report kidnappings and other security threats.
This was disclosed by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Laka, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. The initiative falls under the activities of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell, operating within the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Laka urged Nigerians to make use of the 112 emergency number, facilitated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to report suspicious activities, crimes, and kidnappings. He also mentioned that additional designated numbers from the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell would be made available to the public soon.
Kidnapping Trends and Government Response
Providing an overview of the kidnapping crisis, Laka revealed that while Nigeria recorded a 16.3% decrease in kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in 2024 compared to 2023, the number of victims increased slightly by 0.27%. He identified Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara States in the North-West as the most affected areas, accounting for 13.8% of total incidents and 61.1% of victims nationwide.
He noted that various criminal groups, including bandits, terrorists, cultists, militants, and secessionist elements, have continued to exploit kidnapping for financial gain and to fund illicit activities.
“Kidnappings occurred in both rural and urban areas, targeting villages, schools, highways, and residential communities,” Laka stated. He added that despite efforts to curb the menace, mass abductions persisted, leading to deserted agrarian communities, disruptions in food production, and rising food prices.
The persistent payment of ransom, he noted, remains a major factor fueling the crime, as criminal groups exploit families’ fears to demand exorbitant sums.
Government Strategy for 2025
Laka outlined several measures the government has been implementing to counter the menace, including rescuing hostages, neutralizing and arresting kidnapping kingpins, and dismantling criminal hideouts.
Looking ahead, the government plans to strengthen and expand counter-kidnapping initiatives across all six geo-political zones. He projected that kidnapping for ransom would likely continue in 2025 due to its financial incentives but assured that the authorities are intensifying efforts to curb the crime.
Key strategies include:
- Improving collaboration with state governments to enhance security coordination.
- Reinforcing public confidence in government protection to discourage ransom payments.
- Expanding counter-kidnapping operations nationwide.
- Addressing economic vulnerabilities and unemployment, which often drive individuals into crime.
The government has urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity through the 112 emergency hotline as part of collective efforts to improve national security.