The Political Economy of Kidnapping and Insecurity in Nigeria

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Beyond News and Rumours: Political Economy of Kidnapping and Insecurity in Nigeria

   J. Shola Omotola, Samuel Oyewole

   Abstract

   Cases of kidnapping and missing person have become too common in daily news, rumours and gossips in Nigeria. The fear of kidnapping has practically become the begging of wisdom in the country. It is against this background that this volume seeks to understand the phenomenon of kidnapping in Nigeria beyond the news and rumours of forceful disappearance and missing persons. Accordingly, this chapter provides an introductory insight into the political economy of kidnapping and the attendant security concerns. The subject matter is situated in the contexts of post/neo-colonial contradictions, state failure/weaknesses, neo/patrimonialism, democratic contradictions, competition for power and scarce resources, cost and benefits, frustration and aggression, greed and grievances, among other relevant political economy perspectives.

3. Chapter 2. One Means, Multiple Ends: A Strategic Framework of Understanding Kidnapping in Nigeria

   Samuel Oyewole, J. Shola Omotola

   Abstract

   There is growing academic attention for kidnapping in Nigeria, although most studies on the subject are characterised by limited thematic and geographical focuses, which have left the study area with weak basis for generalisation at the national level. Accordingly, kidnapping is often treated as a homogenous strategy in Nigeria, instead of one means that leads to multiple ends. After a review of extant literature on kidnapping and its typology in Nigeria, this chapter provides a strategic framework for understanding the subject. This is premised on the variations in the organisation of the actors that are involved in kidnapping in Nigeria, their (immediate, medium and ultimate) objectives, capacity to articulate political agenda, support for societal demands, mobilisation through strategic communication, and operational terrains. In the final analysis, this chapter broadly classifies kidnapping in Nigeria into insurgent (with terrorists, militants and guerrillas as actors) and non-insurgent (involving politicians, political parties and thugs, armed bandits, sea robbers and pirates, human traffickers, baby factories, fraudsters and ritualists). A framework of understanding the strategies and tactics of kidnapping in their various forms in Nigeria is important for academic generalisation, and effective responses of the victims and their relatives, the civil society groups, media, government and security forces.

4. Chapter 3. History of Kidnapping in Nigeria

   Akachi Odoemene

   Abstract

   Kidnapping is a historical phenomenon in many parts of Nigeria. Such sinister act can be traced from the remotest times of the pre-colonial periods to the contemporary times in the life of most Nigerian communities. While the pre-colonial period witnessed the use of kidnapping as a means of acquiring humans for certain needs of persons and people—for instance, for sacrifice and slaves—the colonial era saw the concerted efforts by colonialists towards the suppression and extinguishing of such ‘needs’, thus both human sacrifice and slavery/slave trade were outlawed. This situation forced human sacrifice and slave trade underground. In other words, while such acts diminished in public view and reckoning (at least to a reasonable extent), they simultaneously thrived clandestinely, keeping their occurrence away from public consciousness, and became more prevalent due to the individualism cultivated by colonialism. The very attempts by the colonialists to eradicate such societal vices—such as slavery and human sacrifice—may well have fed its continued prevalence, particularly clandestinely. Thus, with such colonial onslaught, communities and individuals sought supernatural protection from such colonial incursions. Such ‘supernatural protections’ may well have involved ritual abduction to waste human lives through sacrifices.

   In contradistinction to what was observed in the pre-colonial and colonial stages, the later post-colonial stage witnessed an exponential increase in kidnapping activities due to a complete system breakdown—socially, economically, politically and morally. What then emerged was a new twist to the kidnap trend—for ransom (pecuniary gains), an element which was hitherto largely non-existent in the Nigerian society. With such dramatic changes in the fortunes of the country in respect of kidnapping, Nigeria became a world-acclaimed center for such burgeoning clandestine business. This situation was, however, to change further—for the worse—with the emergence of organized criminal groups and terrorists, such as Boko Haram, the bandits, and then the Fulani herdsmen. Together, these groups took the issue of kidnapping in Nigeria to another level, approach and height—such of which were never known in the country. Accordingly, this chapter explores the evolution of kidnapping in Nigeria, and its changing dynamics across space (from the North to the South, and the East to the West) and time (from pre-colonial era to post-colonial eras).

5. Chapter 4. Ungoverned Spaces and Kidnapping in Nigeria

   Azeez Olaniyan

   Abstract

   Kidnapping has become a common feature of Nigerian society, and it is a crime that happens almost on a daily basis. The rampancy of crime in Nigeria has attracted the attention of scholars, which has brought forth a plethora of insightful analyses on its causes, forms, and consequences. This chapter contributes to the discourse by looking at the phenomenon from the angle of ungoverned nature of several spaces in Nigeria. Specifically, it argues that the growing rate of kidnappings stems from the growing rate of ungoverned spaces in the country. It locates the problem from a global perspective, arguing that the problem of ungoverned spaces is neither race-bound nor country-specific. The study then explains why ungoverned spaces abound in Nigeria and why it has contributed to the rising menace of kidnapping in the country.

6. Chapter 5. Oil-Related Kidnapping in the Niger Delta Region

   J. Shola Omotola, Oluwafemi Fayomi

   Abstract

   Niger Delta is the core region for oil and gas production, which is the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy. Yet, the region is a major conflict theatre, where several militant and criminal groups have emerged in support of popular uprising against oil-induced environmental crisis. This region that is dominantly inhabited by minority ethnic groups has equally emerged in resistance of ethno-politics of majoritarian dictatorship, which has turned it into a mere extractive site without commensurate development. Amidst these, kidnapping has emerged as one of the tactics and strategies employed to advance greed and grievances of militant and criminal groups in the Niger Delta region, with negative consequences for both the state and society. Accordingly, this chapter examines the manifestation, causes and consequences of oil-related kidnapping in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.

7. Chapter 6. Boko Haram and Kidnapping in Nigeria

   Rauf Tunde Sakariyau, Ismail Bello

   Abstract

   The menace of kidnapping in Nigeria remains a disturbing phenomenon that threatens national security of the country. However, series of kidnappings of unarmed Nigerians have been adopted as tactics by the deadly Boko Haram terrorist group. This makes it imperative in this study to explore Boko Haram and kidnapping in Nigeria. With the adoption of failed state theory, it is inferred that the trend of kidnapping perpetrated by Boko Haram, Bandits and other unscrupulous elements places the country’s security architecture on a verge of collapse and which invariably justifies the inability of the state to provide adequate security for the people. The study relies on secondary data. The findings of the study reveal kidnapping as a viable tactics adopted by the terrorist group to gain international attention. More so, it is an avenue to raise resources through payment of ransom by the families and concerned individuals and groups related or associated with the victims. This further showcases the government weaknesses to curb the proliferation of armed terrorist group in the country and by and large triggers trust deficit from the populace to the authority. The chapter suggests that despite aggressive military presence in the fight against insurgency and terrorism in the country, there is a need to intensify efforts to boost information and intelligence gathering mechanism. Similarly, government must ensure improvement of welfare services to the populace as a way of reducing prospective members of all forms of criminalities. Government reactiveness on security affairs cannot enhance a safer Nigeria. There is need for all tiers of government to be proactive in ensuring security of lives and properties.

8. Chapter 7. Armed Banditry and Kidnapping in Nigeria

   Talabi Rasheed Ayegbusi

   Abstract

   Kidnapping has become a major security issue in Nigeria, with reported cases in every part of the country in recent years. The interplay between armed banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria is the focus of this chapter. It critically explores how armed banditry continues to be one of the leading causes of Nigeria’s escalating kidnapping trend and examines the motivation for kidnapping by armed bandits. It dwells on the changing tactics and characters of kidnapping by armed bandits, its consequences, and state responses to kidnapping by armed bandits. While kidnapping is motivated by various factors, economic motivation is at the heart of kidnapping by bandits. The chapter argues that bandit kidnapping has negatively impacted national security, food security, education, and economic sectors. It has also fueled humanitarian crises and nutritional inadequacy. In response, the states (both federal and state governments) have undertaken a variety of control mechanisms, in addition to military actions. Though security operations against armed bandits are necessary to reduce kidnappings and banditry in Nigeria, they may not provide long-term security. There is an urgent need to strive towards a coordinated and collaborative approach to prevent bandits from escalating further.

9. Chapter 8. Kidnapping for Ransom in Nigeria

   Michael B. Aleyomi, Amos Olajubu

   Abstract

   Kidnapping has become a ransom taking business, which the criminal gangs exploit as a source of wealth creation. In this case, Nigeria has become a major hotspot for kidnapping, which has developed into major threats to national and international security. In Nigeria, crimes and criminalities such as kidnapping have become a very lucrative business that is being carried out at a commercial scale. The growing gap between the rich and the poor, compounded with greed and irrational ambition on the part of idle youths to amass quick wealth in the society, has resulted in an increase in crime rates across Nigeria. Kidnapping has become an attractive criminal enterprise owing to its low risk and high financial yield for in the hands of its perpetrators, who have turned it into a multi-million-naira enterprises. It occurs at any time and in any location, including homes, schools, religious sites, streets, markets, business establishments, farms, highways, during the day and at night. It is based on this background that effort is geared towards investigating the phenomenon of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria and to highlight the implications for national security. The objective of this chapter is to examine kidnapping for ransom by bandits and insurgents, who take advantage of inadequate policing and easy availability of firearms across Nigeria, paying attention to the relationship between perpetrators and the victims, how negotiations are usually carried out, the mode of payment of ransom, and finally the impacts of kidnapping on the hostages.

10. Chapter 9. Kidnapping for Rituals in Nigeria

    Samuel Oyewole, Charles E. Ekpo

    Abstract

    Ritual motivated kidnapping is one of the most alarming criminal violence that underscored the underworld political economy of Nigeria. The beliefs in traditional, religious and superstitious power of human spirit, blood, body and/or body parts (exhumed from grave or purposively killed/murdered) to advance materialist interests such as fame, favour, power, protection, success and wealth have inspired a growing trend of kidnapping for this purpose in Nigeria and beyond. Nevertheless, this phenomenon has remained one of the least publicised, researched and understood criminal activities. This chapter examines the nature of kidnapping for ritual in Nigeria. In this process, attention is given to the evolution of this threat, it spread and concentration, actors that are involved, frequently targeted victims, strategies employed and the implications for security.

11. Chapter 10. Kidnapping and Baby Factory in Nigeria

    Freedom C. Onuoha, Christopher Ewuzie Obianagwa, Ndubuisi Isaac

    Abstract

    The recognition of kidnapping as one of the major security threats is not unconnected to its unprecedented expansion in frequency, sophistication and spread in recent times in Nigeria. It has been perpetrated for vengeance (as a political or terrorist strategy), ritual (power and influence) and exploitation (ransom or sexual) in Nigeria. Accordingly, literature on kidnapping in Nigeria have mostly focused on its adoption by terrorist organisations as political tool, indulgence by ritualists for power and influence, and perpetration by criminal gangs to receive ransom. Nevertheless, there is little or no scholarly attempt to interrogate the appropriation of kidnapping for the purposes of operating or sustaining baby factory. Yet, this form of organised crime is growing in scale and sophistication in Nigeria. Baby factory generally refers to a practice in which some unmarried women and girls are harboured in confinements and encouraged, deceived or forced to become pregnant and subsequently give up their babies for sale after delivery. This chapter, therefore, examines how kidnapping is implicated in baby factory operations in Nigeria. In particular, it interrogates its political economy underpinnings, drivers and effects on contemporary Nigerian society. The analysis draws from desk research and fieldwork on baby factory operation conducted by the first author in South Eastern Nigeria, between December 2014 and April 2020. This was complemented by data mining from media reports on the subject matter.

12. Chapter 11. Human Trafficking as Kidnapping by Other Means

    Opeyemi Idowu Aluko

    Abstract

    Human trafficking and kidnapping have aged connection in Nigeria and many other parts of the world. In some cases, they have become indistinguishable, as both feature forceful seizing and holding of a person against his will. In contemporary Nigeria, human trafficking has emerged as kidnapping by other means, as many are forced or deceived into slavery. The primary reason that makes trafficking and trade in human lucrative in and beyond the country ranges from social to political and economic incentives. The illicit practices have flourished with the trend of poverty, illiteracy, demand for cheap labour, demand for commercial sex, shortage of attention for the rights of the vulnerable groups of people, social factors and cultural practices, conflict and natural disaster, profit generated from this and associated businesses, shortage of safe migration options and availability of victims. This chapter therefore interrogates the nexus between human trafficking and kidnapping in Nigeria, with attention for the causes, manifestation and consequences.

13. Chapter 12. Gender Dimensions of Kidnapping in Nigeria

    Tunde Agara

    Abstract

    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.

14. Chapter 13. Nigeria and the Transnationalisation of Kidnapping in the Lake Chad Region and the Gulf of Guinea

    John Sunday Ojo, Oluwole Ojewale, Kazeem Oyedele Lamidi

    Abstract

    This chapter explores the transnational nature of the operation of the Nigerian-based kidnappers, that is, coastal militants or pirates in the Gulf of Guinea and Islamist extremists in the Lake Chad region. The expansion of transnational kidnapping orchestrated by the Jihadist terrorist groups such as Boko Haram/ISWAP in northern Nigeria, whose heinous activities have spill-over effects and contagiously impacted neighbouring nations such as Chad, Cameroon and Niger has redefined national sovereignty. The activities of the transnational armed militant and criminal groups in the Niger Delta and other coastal areas of Nigeria have also accounted for significant portion of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. These among others need to interrogate the idea of nationality and transnationality in this context. Beyond some basic conceptual clarifications and theoretical analysis, this chapter explores the dark side of globalisation as evident in Nigerian-based transnational kidnapping. It pays attention to causes, manifestation, hotspots, implications and possible control of transnational kidnapping, as regards various borders that Nigeria shared with other countries and the international waters, ranging from the North to the South and the East to the West.

15. Chapter 14. Kidnapping for Ransom (K4R) and the Challenges of Nigeria’s International Image

    Olusola Ogunnubi, Dare Leke Idowu

    Abstract

    The global perception, reputation, and image of states are crucial determinants of how they are rated by major actors in the contemporary international system. States with a good global image are at a vantage position to shape the preferences of others and also attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Nigeria, which once wielded a good global image and hegemonic clout in Africa, is now tagged a failing regional power amidst widespread insecurities and other debilitating domestic struggles. Although there are enormous studies on the implications of insecurities and specifically the menace of kidnapping for ransom (K4R) in Nigeria, the extant literature on K4R is yet to interrogate the recurring trend of K4R for Nigeria’s international image. This chapter is the first scholarly attempt to unpack the effects of K4R for Nigeria’s international image and perceived hegemonic interest in Africa. The authors submit that the instability caused by the recurrence of K4R clearly undermines Nigeria’s domestic record and questions its international profile on the continent. Apart from undermining Nigeria’s purported regional power claim, governmental failures and state apathy in addressing the root causes of K4R provide the leeway for other more stable regional powers to challenge Nigeria’s presumed hegemonic status in Africa.

16. Chapter 15. State Responses to the Menace of Kidnapping in Nigeria

    Gbeke Adenuga

    Abstract

    Kidnapping has become one of the main security threats in the Nigerian state and hardly does a day go by without report of missing person across the length and breadth of the country. With the fast-rising rate of ransom-induced kidnapping cases, Nigeria has overtaken global hotspots such as Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, the Philippines, Venezuela, Ecuador, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan to attain the unenviable status of the capital of kidnapping for ransom in the world. While this development may signify the loss of capacity by the state to effectively discharge its constitutional duty of protecting lives and property, literature on kidnapping in Nigeria tends to gloss over the responses of the state to the phenomenon and their challenges. This chapter, which employed descriptive analysis of data derived from secondary sources, examined the legal, political and military dimensions of state’s responses to the menace. With the rational choice, the deterrent, the relative deprivation and the conspiracy theories as its guide, the chapter found out that the lack of will to effectively arrest and prosecute kidnappers, politics of resource control and complicit on the part of the political, religious and military leadership in the country act as limiting factors on state’s responses. Inter alia, the chapter recommended the removal of security from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list to accommodate the creation of state police forces to allow for better measures to protect the population against the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria.

17. Chapter 16. Non-State Responses to Kidnapping in Nigeria

    Elijah Ola Olorunsuwa, Michael B. Aleyomi

    Abstract

    Nigeria is daily confronted with insecurity—banditry and kidnapping among others. In spite of different state’s efforts to reduce the problem, one will notice an obvious increase in cases of kidnapping across the length and breadth of the country. Against this backdrop, the study seeks to assess the efforts and effectiveness of the Non-State Actors (NSAs) to rise up to challenges of the security in Nigeria. In this case, civil society groups have played important roles in public education, policy advocacy and hostage negotiation, while vigilante groups are involved in the fight against kidnappers and rescuing of hostages. This chapter relies on data generated through the secondary method with interpretative method of qualitative data analysis. Accordingly, it is observed to be in Nigeria’s overall interest to embrace collective efforts of both state and non-state actors in combating insecurity. Regardless of the efficiency of NSAs in combating kidnapping and other criminalities, however, state security forces must be re-organized, re-oriented and re-equipped to take on their tasks, as over-reliance on vigilante group is a ticking time bomb.

18. Chapter 17. Kidnapping and Hostage Negotiation in Nigeria

    Seun Bamidele, Dickson Ajisafe, Babatope M. Ajiboye

    Abstract

    Kidnapping remains a threat to Nigeria’s long-term security, stability, and development. In recent years, the Nigerian state has been bedeviled with kidnapping activities and this challenge is being exploited by other criminal networks which take advantage of the state’s under-policed localities to forcefully move vulnerable individuals to unwanted and unknown destinations. The challenges associated with kidnapping have become a serious concern in Nigeria, a country that is already fragile as a result of violent conflicts, corruption, poverty, and economic hardship. Paradoxically, the Nigerian state still has a success story for negotiation and protection response which has effectively served as a substitute to suppress kidnapping. The objectives of this paper are to examine the challenges of kidnapping and its social impacts in Nigeria as well as interrogating the mechanisms maximized by the Nigerian government in its negotiation efforts with kidnappers. The paper does this with a view to conceptualize kidnapping in the context of Nigeria’s experience and outline the pros and cons of government’s strategies in negotiating with kidnappers and criminal networks in the country. Maximizing extant literature and relevant case studies, this development is rigorously analyzed through academic lens and raises questions such as what is the historical and operational dimension of kidnapping and hostage taking in Nigeria and its social impacts on country? What are the implications of using (worst alternative of) ransom payment in negotiating with kidnappers? Is the willingness to negotiate with kidnappers through (worst alternative of) ransom payment encouraging more kidnapping activities in Nigeria? Finally, what role should the government play in deciding whether to negotiate or not with (ransom payment) worst alternative?

19. Chapter 18. Journalism Practice in an Era of Hostage Taking: Media Coverage of Kidnappings in Nigeria

    Chika Euphemia Asogwa

    Abstract

    The media are important stakeholders in every society. They need to keep vigil of the society, analyze subjects of interest, and draw the attention of the general public and the government to the implications of the issues reported. In the process, the media can recommend preventive measures with the overall aim of making the society a better place. Concerning kidnapping, the media in Nigeria have a responsibility of reporting the issue in a manner that draws public attention to it while also assisting in combating the threat. Despite this, literature on media coverage of kidnapping issues is still at the growing stage. It is against this background that this chapter examines how the Nigerian media report kidnapping stories. The general objective of the chapter is to ascertain media coverage of kidnapping in Nigeria. The specific objectives are: to determine the sources of media stories on kidnapping in Nigeria; to ascertain the category of kidnap stories most reported in the media and to ascertain the key issues about kidnapping as reported in selected media.

20. Chapter 19. Concluding Reflections: On the Political Economy of Kidnapping in Nigeria

    Samuel Oyewole, J. Shola Omotola

    Abstract

    This chapter provides a concluding reflection on the causes, trend, forms, spatial distribution, actors, strategies and consequences of kidnapping in Nigeria, as well as measures to control it and their effectiveness. It is against this background that this chapter draws conclusion on the state of the nation in relation to political economy of kidnapping and examines the feasibility of kidnap-free Nigeria with predictive possibilities and prescriptive policy actions for positive future.