A Historical Account of the Scourge of Kidnapping in Nigeria: Implication on National Security

Abstract

Kidnapping has become a menace and one of the security challenges in Nigeria. It is an illicit practice in which human-beings are forcefully abducted to an unknown destination for the purpose of payment of ransom by relatives. The predominance of this illicit practice has given the country a bad reputation. As a result of this, Nigeria was ranked in the global index as one of the worst place to dwell, especially in the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Many factors account for this development, prominent among which include criminal source of money, elimination of political opponents, human sacrifice or for performance of rituals etc. Kidnapping has now become a generic word both in public and private discourse going by its prevalence in the country. This paper attempt to examine the general causes and effects of kidnapping on the Nigerian society especially in the area of insecurity. Among the major causes identified is the spate of unemployment in Nigeria. In view of this, the paper concludes that unemployment has been one of the major problems in Nigeria. Nigeria, as a developing country is witnessing high rate of youth unemployment which has become one of the major threats to its national security. Recommendations have been made on how this wave of crime can be tackled. Prominent among the recommendations is forall levels to make policies that will attract both local and foreign investors which will create employment opportunities for the youths, especially the vulnerable ones among others.