An Analysis of the Causes and Consequences of Kidnapping in Nigeria

Abstract

Kidnapping is a serious crime and has potential for transforming into other felonious offenses, such as physical violence, financial victimisation, and murder. This paper did not focus only on the consequences of kidnapping but also examined its predisposing factors in Nigeria. Thus, the objectives of the study are: to examine the nexus between terrorism and kidnapping; to investigate the mutual reinforcement between corruption and kidnapping; to find out if kidnapping and poverty are correlated; and to examine the consequences of the problem. Using secondary qualitative data, the study found out that kidnapping has been taking place in Nigeria due to the activities of insurgent groups in the Niger Delta region, but it increased with the emergence of “Boko Haram” terrorism in the North-eastern Nigeria; corruption is not strongly related to kidnapping, but they have indirect connection whereby youth political thugs served corrupt political leaders and turned out to become kidnappers, sometimes for ransom from political opponents; poverty is correlated with kidnapping in Nigeria; and there are multiple consequences of kidnapping, such as financial victimization, rape and even death of the victims. The paper therefore suggested that for kidnapping to be eradicated in Nigeria, poverty and corruption must also be significantly reduced. The paper also suggested that terrorism and insurgency should be fought as they involved abductions of innocent people, females and children in particular; thus, for Nigeria to address the kidnapping phenomenon, strategic security action should be onslaught against terrorism and insurgency, etc. Key Words : Causes of Kidnapping, Kidnapping, Kidnapping in Nigeria, Abduction, Consequences of Kidnapping