Last month, the 74-year-old Emir of Gobir in Gawata, Sokoto State, Alhaji Isah Muhammad Bawa, was abducted by bandits alongside his son. The kidnapping occurred on the Sabon Birni road as he was returning to his hometown after a meeting in Sokoto. The kidnappers demanded a staggering N1 billion ransom and subjected the Emir to severe torture. After three weeks without payment, the abductors killed him, later demanding an additional N60 million and six motorbikes for the release of his corpse.
This tragic event has sparked widespread outrage, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies, especially since the kidnappers openly communicated with the Emir’s family during the negotiation process.
Despite numerous similar incidents across Nigeria, where kidnappers frequently use mobile phones to negotiate ransoms, the country’s security apparatus has repeatedly failed to track and apprehend these criminals. Recent cases, such as the kidnapping of a young man in Delta State, who was found dead after a ransom was paid, and the abduction of 20 medical students along the Otukpo-Enugu highway, highlight the continuing failure of law enforcement agencies to track kidnappers’ calls effectively.
The Nigeria Police Force introduced Intelligence-led Policing in 2015, which included the installation of a tracking device under the leadership of then-Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase. This device, designed to track calls in real-time and help locate kidnappers, was successful in the early years, leading to the arrest of several kidnappers. However, according to a retired senior police officer, the system’s effectiveness has waned due to a lack of priority and support from successive police leaderships.
The officer explained that the system required regular updates and subscriptions, which were neglected by later administrations, leading to the eventual breakdown of the tracking platform. Although the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, has reactivated the tracking device, kidnappers continue to evade capture, raising concerns about the ongoing inefficacy of these security measures.
Further investigations revealed that some security agents are hesitant to pursue kidnappers due to the high risks involved, including the danger of venturing into remote and hostile territories. Additionally, inadequate resources, such as specialized allowances, vehicles, and equipment, further demotivate security personnel.
Moreover, some officers expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for their efforts in combating kidnappings. They also pointed to the politicization of kidnapping cases, where security responses are often influenced by the social status or political connections of the victims.
Compounding these issues, kidnappers have adopted new tactics to avoid detection, such as using their victims’ phones to make ransom calls. This method has rendered traditional call-tracking devices less effective, highlighting the need for more advanced technologies like GPS tracking and digital forensics.
Public frustration is growing as these security lapses persist despite the implementation of several measures, such as SIM card registration and the National Identity Number (NIN) linkage, which were intended to improve national security and curb criminal activities. However, these initiatives have yet to deliver the expected results, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Company (NIGCOMSAT) have defended their roles, stating that they provide necessary support to security agencies but do not have the authority to track and arrest criminals directly. They argue that the responsibility for action lies with the security agencies, which need to utilize the data and resources provided more effectively.
There is a growing consensus that Nigeria’s approach to tackling kidnapping needs a significant overhaul. This includes investing in modern technology, improving the welfare and resources of security personnel, and addressing the root causes of kidnapping, such as poverty and unemployment. Without these changes, the country risks continuing to face the devastating consequences of unchecked criminal activities.
