Worsening cases of abduction across Nigeria have reignited public concern, as many question the effectiveness of ongoing security operations intended to curb the growing threat.
Retired senior military officials have identified weak inter-agency cooperation and the alleged compromise of some security personnel as major factors fueling the audacity of kidnappers nationwide.
Kidnapping continues to pose a serious national security dilemma, with several high-profile individuals among those targeted.
One of the most notable incidents involved Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (Retd.), a former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, who was abducted alongside nine others from his hometown in Bakori LGA, Katsina State, on February 5, 2025.
The abductors initially demanded a ₦250 million ransom. However, Tsiga’s family and community only managed to raise over ₦60 million after nearly two months, leading to his eventual release.
Other tragic events have also unfolded. In Delta State, a farmer named Godwin Anuka was murdered in front of his family on March 29.
In Kaduna, three residents from Surubu community in Kauru LGA were killed despite ransom payments.
Similarly, Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, was kidnapped in December 2024, and his decaying body was later discovered near the Second Niger Bridge in February 2025.
According to Eniola Ojajuni, President of Afenifere’s youth wing and a recent victim of kidnapping who spent 12 days in captivity, at least 55 camps are currently operated by kidnappers in the southwest alone.
Former Army Signals Commandant and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, Gen. Ishola Williams (Retd.), expressed concern over alleged cooperation between kidnappers and rogue security personnel.
“Some of these criminals are well known to the authorities, yet no action is taken,” he said.
He further revealed that cyber fraudsters have developed the ability to manipulate telecom networks and mobile devices, hampering the ability of security forces to trace communications linked to kidnapping activities.
In agreement, Maj. Gen. Dayo Olukoju (Retd.), who once served as Director of Procurement at the Defence Headquarters, blamed the persistent threat on poor coordination among key institutions.
He pointed to a lack of synergy between the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) as a major setback in tracing and identifying perpetrators.
“The real problem is disjointed efforts between agencies. It’s unacceptable that people use traceable devices, yet their identities remain unknown,” he stated, advocating for the establishment of dedicated courts to ensure speedy trials of kidnapping suspects.
Another retired military officer, who spoke anonymously, reinforced these claims, arguing that no criminal operation of this magnitude can persist without local enablers.
He revealed that in some cases, ransom money is traceable due to bank markings, which kidnappers are instantly aware of—suggesting possible insider leaks within banks or related institutions.
He concluded by describing the kidnapping network as a deeply entrenched cartel with both domestic and international backers, stressing that only a comprehensive and highly coordinated intelligence system can dismantle it.
