Gender Dimensions of Kidnapping in Nigeria

The narrative of this chapter is on the gender dimension of kidnapping in Nigeria with special focus on the Chibok and Dapchi abductions. The chapter pointed out that this was not a “new thing” in Nigeria as it had been the modus operandi of the Niger Delta militants even though theirs was mainly focused on expatriates working on the oil fields. However, the Boko Haram terrorist gang has adopted this and hence closed the dividing line between the activities of terrorism and criminal gangsterism. The chapter further investigates female involvement in kidnapping as either agents and/or victims. As agents, the chapter explores the use of women in terrorist activities especially as suicide bombers and helpers of male terrorists. As victims, the chapter explores the exploitation of women as sex slaves and forced marriages. Although our focus is on Nigeria, the chapter also took a panorama view of incidents of female kidnapping in other countries. Kidnapping seems to flourish particularly in fragile states and conflict-prone countries, as politically motivated militias, organised crime and the drugs mafia fill the vacuum left by government. We conclude on a note of caution that there is a great possibility that Boko Haram may be abducting girls and women to use as future recruits or suicide bombers.