The Causes of Kidnapping and its Implications on Nigeria

Abstract

The incessant incidences of kidnapping in Nigeria have grown into a severe National threat to its society and is ravaging the country’s socioeconomic wellbeing. The study aims to explore the national security and socioeconomic implications of this menace. The study applied the functionalism theoretical assumptions and employed Qualitative Document Analysis (QDA) based on the previous studies review conducted on kidnapping such as current literature, media reports, and newspaper to figure out the gap and come up with new findings on the causes of this menace. The study found that the government's reluctance to address such challenges is the force igniting heinous crimes in the country. It is due to the negligence of the Nigerian government to address the root-causes of the phenomenon such as; youth unemployment, quick-money syndrome, hard-drug influence, and others. The study suggests some measures such as public awareness programs, a synergic approach between the security forces and community police, appropriate sanctions, phone sim-card registration, quit ransom payment, and job creation.

Exploring the Role of Mass Media in Crime Prevention and Control: A Study of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

“…When referring to crime in Nigeria, terms such as insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, Niger Delta crises, ethno-religious crises, and armed robbery come to mind. Prior to the public emergence of the insurgent group "Boko Haram," Nigeria witnessed kidnapping incidents by militants in the southern part of the country, leading to intense insecurity in the region (Ibrahim & Ahmad, 2020). The phenomenon of kidnapping and armed banditry has posed significant challenges in various parts of Nigeria, contributing to the worsening insecurity levels.…”

Legal Reflections on the Downsides of Global System for Mobile Communication as a Boost to Crime of Kidnapping for Ransom in Nigeria

“…The continued search for jobs, poverty and frustration may lead to criminal activity such as kidnapping. 25 Poverty is the state of human being who are poor and have little or no means of survival. 26 They are financially incapacitated and lack the basic necessities of life.…”

Influence of Kidnapping on the Psychological Distress of Residents in Kaduna Metropolis

“…Socio-economic factors exert a high degree of effect on the commission of violent acts (Bothos & Thomopoulos, 2016). The many causes of kidnappings are said to include unemployment, need for fast cash, drug abuse, psychological effects of having total control over a person, and corruption (Ibrahim &Ahmad 2020). Prevalence of psychological distress is higher in low income than higher income (Caron & Liu, 2011), and is more common in women (Viertio et al, 2021), with loneliness, lack of social support and inability to combine work and family life being the major causes for women.…”