Kidnapping and Human Security in Nigeria

Kidnapping is a global problem. Over 10,000 incidences of kidnappingkidnapping are recorded annually worldwideworldwide (NYA in Global Kidnap for Ransom Update—June 2021. NYA International, 2021; UN, 2018).  The chapter looks at how kidnapping heightens human insecurity in Nigeria, taking into account the effectiveness of existing legislation in curbing this menace within Nigerian society. Numerous accounts abound to show how kidnapping affects every region of the country. Scholars are concerned about the kidnapping-induced harmful posture of insecurity in some of these locations since it keeps happening. Security specialists have identified several causes for the threat, one of which is the financial rewards that the perpetrators of this crime obtain. This chapter highlights some incidences or cases of kidnapping within the Nigerian State and how these impact poorly on the country’s image in the international community. The chapter shows how the social structure in Nigeria has been affected by the winds of abduction and insecurity. As a result, the chapter’s inquiry through content analysis substantially draws on the body of prior literature and academics’ contributions in the field of insecurity studies. Research has shown that kidnapping and insecurity are expensive and can divert vital energy needed by the government and the people to develop the country. The chapter concludes with insightful policy ideas, such as open discussion, high-tech training, and retraining to reorganize and reorient the state security apparatus.