THE OFFENCE OF KIDNAPPING IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Abstract

The phenomenon of kidnapping has emerged as a significant security concern globally, particularly in Nigeria in recent years. This paper assessed kidnapping in Nigeria, focusing on its challenges and mitigation strategies. It examined the severity of kidnapping as a critical security issue in contemporary Nigeria and explored the factors contributing to its prevalence through a quantitative survey of citizens’ perceptions of its effects on their communities. The findings revealed that the perceived severity of kidnapping in Nigeria is significantly associated with the increasing frequency of kidnapping incidents, inadequate police handling of kidnapping cases, deteriorating economic conditions, concerns about community safety, ethnic marginalisation, and low levels of interethnic trust. The paper highlighted the need for collaborative and networked governance that places citizens at the centre of policies and actions aimed at addressing kidnapping in Nigeria. It recommended that governments at all levels create employment opportunities for the growing population of unemployed youths, particularly in view of rising poverty levels. This could be achieved through deliberate collaboration between the government and the private sector to generate employment opportunities, especially for young people. Furthermore, the government should establish a conducive business environment that supports business expansion and promotes job security for those already in paid employment.