By Adewole Kehinde
“How a kidnapping end depends to a large degree on who the kidnappers are.” – Giuliana Sgrena
Kidnapping was virtually unknown in Nigeria before 1999 but following the country’s shift from military to civilian rule, tensions between the residents of the oil-rich Niger Delta and the oil companies operating there began to rise over concerns about the environment and the dearth of basic social amenities.
Abuja has maintained relative peace for years despite Nigeria struggling to stem a range of insecurity problems, especially in the central, northwestern, and northeastern regions.
The issue of kidnapping is a serious concern in the FCT, and addressing it requires a concerted effort from law enforcement, government agencies, and the community.
The latest was the abduction of Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar and his six children on Tuesday night in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
On January 15, 2024, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, convened a crucial meeting with the Force Management Team and Tactical Squads to address the rising concerns surrounding insecurity in the country.
According to Force PRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP expressed deep concern over the unfortunate events and emphasised the need for decisive action to curb such heinous crimes.
During the meeting, the IGP emphasised the need for a coordinated and intelligence-driven approach to address the evolving security landscape. Tactical squads were briefed and directed to intensify efforts on the deployment of proactive measures to prevent criminal activities and protect citizens.
I would also advise the IGP to ensure the police gather intelligence on known kidnapping operations and suspects. Using advanced technology and collaborating with other security agencies can help improve surveillance and tracking of criminal activities.
There is also the need to build trust and collaboration with local communities, which is vital. Police can work with community leaders, neighbourhood watch groups, and residents to gather information and intelligence on potential kidnapping activities.
I am happy that the IGP has ordered the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Operations, to personally coordinate the upscaled security strategies emplaced to decimate kidnappers and other criminally minded individuals in the FCT and immediately restore normalcy.
I will implore the DIG Operations to immediately work with the Nigeria Communication Commission as one of the agencies overseeing communications operations in Nigeria to track all communications related to kidnapping.
I will also suggest strengthening community-police relations by building trust and collaboration between law enforcement and the community, which can help in gathering timely information about potential kidnapping threats and suspects. This can be achieved through community policing initiatives, regular meetings, and joint activities.
Also, proactive patrols and surveillance are a must. Police should increase visibility and patrols in known high-risk areas for potential kidnappings, such as school zones, parks, and areas with high incidences of criminal activity. Surveillance techniques can also be used to monitor suspicious individuals or activities.
On a final note, the use of technology such as Amber Alerts, electronic databases, facial recognition systems, and GPS tracking will aid in locating missing children and apprehending perpetrators quickly, so it shouldn’t be ruled out.
By implementing these measures and fostering collaborative efforts with the community, law enforcement agencies can work towards nipping kidnapping in the bud and ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached at 08166240846. Email at kennyadewole@gmail.com
