Recent developments indicate that kidnapping has become the latest security concern for authorities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). A surge in criminal activities, particularly kidnappings, in and around Abuja has heightened apprehension among residents and visitors in recent weeks.
Notably, areas like Bwari and the city center have experienced sporadic incidents of kidnapping. A significant case involved the abduction of 19 individuals from the Sagwari Estate Layout in Bwari Area Council, resulting in the tragic murder of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, a 400-level student at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, along with her five siblings. Another victim, 13-year-old Folashade Ariyo, also fell prey to the kidnappers, sparking widespread debates on national security management, with calls for decisive actions against security agency heads.
Despite these challenges, security agencies assert their readiness and capability to tackle the kidnapping menace in the FCT. The FCT Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, successfully rescued kidnapping victims in Zuma 1, Bwari. Similarly, the Kaduna State Police Command rescued a victim abducted in Abuja and arrested a suspected kidnapper, leading to the recovery of firearms and the victim’s vehicle.
Additionally, the military has intensified efforts to combat kidnapping, deploying special forces and conducting targeted operations nationwide. The Director of Defence Media Operations assures residents of collaborative efforts with other security agencies to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, leveraging ground and air surveillance techniques.
The Nigerian Air Force has also been actively involved, employing air firepower to eliminate notorious terrorists and kidnap kingpins operating in Kaduna State and along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway. Collaborative efforts between the NAF and other security agencies aim to disrupt criminal activities and safeguard civilians.
Experts attribute the surge in insecurity to economic hardship and youth unemployment, emphasizing the need for government intervention through job creation and social intervention schemes. They stress the importance of synergy among security forces and the public to enhance security measures and combat criminal activities effectively.
In response to the prevailing security challenges, the Minister of Defence inaugurated a committee for the installation of security surveillance systems along the Abuja-Kaduna highway and rail line. However, experts underscore the importance of swift response by security agencies to intelligence gathered through surveillance systems to achieve desired results.
Ultimately, strengthening collaboration between security forces and the public is crucial in addressing the security threats posed by kidnapping and other criminal activities in the FCT and across Nigeria.
