SOCIAL CORRELATES OF KIDNAPPING IN ALIMOSHO LOCAL
GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
BY
TIMOTHY, JOSEPH ENITAN
180641105
BEING A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIOLOGY, FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY.
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE (B.SC) IN SOCIOLOGY
APRIL, 2023
1
LAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY
PERSONAL
ETHICS
STATEMENT
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT
FOR
AN
By signing this statement, I am attesting to the fact that I review the entirety of my
attached work and that I have applied all the appropriate rules of quotation and
referencing in use in my faculty, as well as adhered to the anti- fraud policies outlined
in the academic regulations in Lagos State University.
NAME:
MATRICULATION NUMBER:
FACULTY/DEPT:
COURSECODE/TITLE:
SIGNATURE:
2
DECLARATION
I, Tijani, Yusuf Itopa, an undergraduate student in the Department of Sociology, Faculty of
Social Sciences, Lagos State University with the matriculation number: 180641105. I hereby,
make this declaration that this research work is original and has not been submitted in full or
in part for any other program in Lagos State University.
3
CERTIFICATION
This is to certify that this research project titled: “SOCIAL CORRELATES AND
KIDNAPPING IN ALIMOSHO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, LAGOS STATE”
undertaken by Tijani, Yusuf Itopa with the matriculation number: 180641105. The author is
an undergraduate student from the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences,
Lagos State University. This project was completed under my supervision. Also in
accordance with the requirements for the award of a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in
Sociology.
-----------------------------
-------------------------
MR. HARUNA ISHOLA ABDULLAHI
DATE
PROJECT SUPERVISOR
------------------------------
--------------------------
PROFESSOR OLABISI YUSUF
DATE
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT
SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
--------------------------------------
---------------------------
EXTERNAL EXAMINER
DATE
4
DEDICATION
This project is dedicated to my mother, Mrs. Abosede Tijani, for her eternal support
and prayers. I am grateful for everything you have done for me, and I am motivated
anew to continue to make you proud.
5
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
With a heart full of gratitude and humility, I would like to acknowledge the support of some
very special people who in one way or another have contributed tremendously to my
development and academic journey.
First of all, I am grateful to God for His protection, provision, the knowledge and
understanding given to me to make the most of my academics, and for the enthusiasm and
vigour to face each day with renewed hope and ambition.
I say thank you to my supervisor, Mr Haruna Ishola, for his keen interest in the success of this
project, his unending encouragement, advice, support, and suggestions. This work is a
success today thanks in no small part to your contributions, corrections, and educated
opinions. Thank you, sir. And I would like to extend my gratitude to all my lecturers for
building and shaping me into something close to their image. I appreciate the HOD: Professor
Olabisi Yusuf, my level adviser, Dr Shakirudeen Raji, Dr Adedeji Oyenuga, for their special
care and attention to every detail of my academics.
To my mother, Mrs Abosede Tijani, who took it upon herself to see me through primary and
secondary education, I am forever grateful.
To my late father, Mr Tijani Salau, thank you for raising a decent man.
I say a heartfelt thank you to my siblings; Usman, Yinus, Hadi, Azeez, Ismail, Zainab, for all
their support and contributions through out my academic journey. Special thanks to my
brother Usman who contributed in no small way to see me through the university.
Gratitude to my friends turn brothers, Alika Gift Desmond, for being a backbone and a
reliable support system, and Ehinola Shina, for his academic opinions and contributions to
this work. I am also grateful to Similola Mobee who was an important cog in my smooth
sailing through LASU. I say thank you to friends like Omowunmi, Aisha, Taiwo, Eniola,
Balikis, Uncle Ben, John, Maryam, Adunola, Suliat, Bukola, Ife, Jumoke, Barakat, Basit,
Ayotola, Biodun, Mabinuori, Korede (Aristotle), and every member of the department of
Sociology.
6
ABSTRACT
There are ranges of social issues that can be attributed to kidnapping; some of them are
causal factors while others are spurred by the action of kidnapping itself. The correlation of
these causal factors, how one affects and compounds the other, and vice versa, in some cases
create the problem of kidnapping. Kidnapping means removing or confining an individual
against their will without the legal authority to do so, for the purpose of ransom collection, or
other related reasons. Kidnapping is responsible for loss of lives and properties, reduction in
national pride, and psychological trauma. This study is premised on inquiries into the
correlation of social factors and kidnapping in Alimosho Local Government Area. To arrive
at factual and incisive conclusions, literature review on previously executed researches on
the subject were analyzed carefully and judiciously interpreted and injected into this paper.
In-depth interview of key informants with access to and rich knowledge of the social structure
of the area of study was conducted, purposive sampling was used to select ten key informants
based on their access to crucial and relevant information on the subject. The findings
garnered prove the correlations between these social factors and kidnapping, and the expert
opinions of the key informants interviewed suggested various collective responsibilities to be
undertaken by individuals, the community and the government to cut out and stem the growth
of the cancerous kidnapping problem.
Key Words: Crime, Human Right Abuse, Insecurity, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
Ransom, , Social Inequalities.
7
Table of Content
Page
Title Page
ii
Declaration
iii
Certification
iv
Dedication
v
Acknowledgement
vi
Abstract
vii
Table Of Content
viii
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION OF THE STUDY
1.1 Background of the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Research Question
1.4 Objectives of the Study
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study
1.7 Conceptual Clarification
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Literature Review
2.1.1 Kidnapping
2.1.2 Social Correlates of Kidnapping
2.1.3 Social Correlates and Kidnapping
2.1.4 Causes of Kidnapping in Nigeria
2.1.5 Damages Kidnapping Cause the Nigerian Government and People
2.1.6 The Problem of Kidnapping and what it Costs Kidnap Victims
2.1.7 Actionable Solutions to the Problem Of Kidnapping
2.1.8 Government Policies that can Discourage Kidnapping
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Conceptual Framework
CHAPTER THREE:
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
8
3.0 Introduction
3.1 Research Design
3.2 The Study Area
3.3 The Study Population
3.4 Sample Size/ Sampling Technique
3.5 Data Collection Procedure
3.6 The Instrument Of Data Collection
3.7 Method of Data Analysis
3.8 Ethical Consideration
3.9 Field Experience And The Limitation Of The Study
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATIONS
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Socio-Demographic Characteristics Of Respondents
4.2 Results
4.3 Discussion Of Findings Based On Objectives
CHAPTER FIVE:
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
5.2 Conclusions
5.3 Recommendations and Suggestions for Further Studies
5.3.1 Suggestions for Further Studies
9
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
The ceaseless and rather sporadic incidences of kidnapping in Nigeria have grown to become
a severe national threat of major concern, affecting nearly all aspect of society, ravaging the
country’s socioeconomic well-being. This study is therefore aimed at exploring the
immediate
causes
and
socioeconomic
effects
of
kidnapping,
as
well
as,
the
human/psychological implications of this menace (Ibrahim and Ahmad 2020).
Kidnapping has a definition problem, however, it can be simply put as removing or confining
an individual against their will without the legal authority to do so. The act of kidnapping can
be done by physical aggression or coercion, intimidation with arms, or through the lure of
fraud. There’s a case of kidnapping when a person has been abducted against their will,
illegally. Conniving with kidnappers to exploit loved ones is not a case of kidnapping but a
criminal offense in itself. Kidnapping is established when victims have no foreknowledge of
the crime or the wherewithal to prevent it (Crowe, 2021).
The social correlates of kidnapping in Nigeria include common social factors such as political
shortcomings, economic downturns, status stigma, etc. Bringing it down to a micro level;
ritual killings, sexual exploitation, traditional beliefs, ransom, human trafficking, are some
motivating factors (Ibrahim and Mukhtar, 2017). In this study, the Alimosho Local
Government Area of Lagos State will be the focal point of discuss. This is so that the issue
can be brought closer to home to touch all related factors without the study losing bearing
trying to voyage through an ocean of issues that kidnapping causes globally.
“ ‘Please the fundraising to support the effort to procure the release of Professor Agbaje has
commenced. All contributions should be paid to First Bank account number 200******7.’ Professor E. Remi Aiyede, AG HOD Political Science, University of Ibadan.”
Quoted above is the message sent out to colleagues, friends, and the good members of the
Nigerian public to solicit funding in order to secure the release of Professor Agbaje from the
den of kidnappers when he was abducted in October, 2022 (Kperogi, 2022). A message that
has become one of too many now commonplace in Nigeria in recent years as a result of the
rising spate of kidnapping in the country.
10
Kidnapping in Nigeria came to proficiency and prominence in the Niger Delta region in 2006
when the militants targeted expatriate personnel of multinational oil companies for abduction.
The act was initially intended to draw global attention to their agitations against the
degradation of their environment as a result of oil drilling until one of the companies
reportedly tried to facilitate the release of its personnel by offering to pay ransom. A
mouthwatering offer that opened up the business side of the crime to the agitators (TheWill
Editorial, June 2017).
However, like the Ohio case, kidnapping is not limited to political agitation or a means of
economic liberation. The Cleveland abduction where Ariel Castro kidnapped Michelle Knight,
Amanda Berry, and Georgina "Gina" DeJesus from the streets of Cleveland between 2002
and 2004 was with the intention of keeping them for the purpose of fulfilling his sexual
gratification (Almasy and Smith, CNN, 2013).
Kidnapping is multidimensional, it serves political, economic, and personal functions,
regrettably to the detriment of those forcefully abducted and as such exploited. Remotely,
kidnapping for ritual purpose is prevalent in the African setting where belief in black magic
persists still among more than a handful of her people, Nigeria being one of such places.
According to SBM intelligence, a Nigerian leading geopolitical intelligence platform, an
average of 13 people were kidnapped daily in Nigeria in 2021, making up to 2,371 people by
mid-year. From July 2021 to June 2022, an aggregated number of 3,420 people were
kidnapped with about 560 deaths recorded as a result of abduction related violence. (Ukpe,
2022).
On March 28, 2022, the Kaduna-Abuja rail line experienced the worst transportation related
terror attack in Nigeria’s history, during which 8 persons were reportedly killed and another
62 people abducted. The abducted people were in captivity for months with several videos of
their inhumane ordeal making waves during this period, scathing experiences that leave
lasting scars on the body and minds of people who had to endure this ugly experience.
(Ayitogo, Premium Times, April 2022).
In 2014, on the night of April 14, 276 girls were abducted from their dormitories in Chibok,
Bornu state. Nine years later, some of these girls are still to be reunited with their families
(Perkins, The Guardian, 2014). The Nigerian government cannot ascertain their whereabouts
as at the time of this study.
11
These are some of the many examples and indicators that suggest how colossal the problem
of kidnapping is in Nigeria today.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
Kidnapping is a crime that has not been given due mention in sociological literature. A
criminal activity that has been a menace to humanity through history and is taking even more
relevance in modern societies especially one like Nigeria that is still struggling with
insecurity needs urgent mention and redressing. A study like this became pertinent to
establish the undeniable issues and the challenges caused by and the social problems attached
to kidnapping.
Security of lives and property is the primary function of any serious government in the 21st
century, however, when crimes like kidnapping are rife in the society, citizens tend to live in
fear and distress unsure of the dangers that lurk around them and the moment it will strike. A
country seeking to make developmental progress and stand shoulder to shoulder with
communities making giant strides in innovation and technology around the world cannot
afford to have its citizens unproductive as a result of fear of being kidnapped while going
about their social and economic activities.
There are many examples that can readily be referred to on the kidnapping menace. This
study is intended to establish the social correlates, such as economic, political, religious, and
individual factors that contribute to kidnapping in Nigeria, and locally in Alimosho Local
Government Area.
1.3. Research Questions
The research questions of this study are drawn from the objectives of the study, and the
objectives are dual dimensional; there’s a macro perspective which considers the increase in
kidnapping at the national level, a general explanation of the problem. However, more
specifically, the study will be done at a micro level with data gathered from Alimosho Local
Government, located in the northern part of Lagos adjoining the state with neighboring Ogun
State, southwest of Nigeria.
Key informants will be interviewed to connect the dots and draw a line between the reasons
for engaging in kidnapping at the local and the national level, what goes through the mind of
kidnappers, the laws that prohibits kidnapping, and the systems in place to discourage and
jettison kidnapping totally from our society.
12
i. Why do people engage in kidnapping?
ii. What are the damages kidnapping cause the Nigerian society and in particular kidnap
victims?
iii. What can be done to help rehabilitate kidnap victims?
iv. How can kidnapping be mitigated, reduced to the barest minimum, or even eradicated
completely?
v. What can be done to discourage intending criminals from finding the kidnapping business
lucrative?
1.4. Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study have been drawn from rising questions that bothers on the causes
and effects of kidnapping in Alimosho Local government area of Lagos state, and the
immediate solutions that can be utilized to put paid to the problem.
i. To identify the immediate causes of kidnapping, in other words, the social correlates of
kidnapping.
ii. To identify the damages kidnapping cause the Nigerian government and its people.
iii. To identify the problems associated to kidnapping, its effect on kidnapped victims, and
how best to rehabilitate them.
iv. To proffer and advise actionable solutions that can help curb the kidnap issue.
v. To encourage and suggest policies that can help educate and inform citizens on the evils of
kidnapping, and discourage them from engaging it.
1.5. Significance of the Study
This study’s focal point is the identification of the social conditions that aggregate to
encourage kidnapping in a society like Alimosho Local Government. As well as, identifying
the damages kidnapping has done to the Nigerian society and its people, the psychological,
emotional, social, and financial implications of kidnapping, to proffer actionable solutions to
the kidnapping menace, suggest policies that enlighten citizens on the ills of kidnapping,
discourage intending kidnappers and as well empower societies as the first responders and
prevention mechanisms in the fight against kidnapping.
Furtherance of the primary objectives of the study, it is as well intended to serve as a
reference point for future studies on the subject, providing a robust and detailed analysis on
the kidnapping endemic; insights into the societal factors that are enablers of kidnapping and
what functions government and people alike must play to fight kidnapping. This study will
13
also torchlight the failings in society that promotes kidnapping, as well as include solutions
that will prove useful in the day to day fight against kidnapping.
Finally, it is expected that this study will be a trendsetter, a call to action, and an awareness
springing endeavour that will draw the attention of all and sundry to the pain and struggles,
psychological trauma kidnap victims are faced with, and how we must ensure that no other
person must have to endure the same.
1.6. Scope and delimitation of the Study
Kidnapping, without question, is a national problem, every nook and cranny of all six
geopolitical zones of Nigeria have one or more instances of kidnapping to report monthly.
However, the limitations of this research are based on resources; time constraints, lack of
funding, limited personnel, etc. Therefore, limiting the spread of the study to Alimosho Local
Government and to key informants within Lagos State.
The study will limit itself to the records of Lagos State government and its Police department
on kidnapping, expert opinions of criminologists, sociologists, and lawyers, testimonies of
kidnapped victims, and government efforts on security in the Alimosho area.
1.7. Conceptual Clarifications
1.7.1 Kidnapping: Kidnapping is a criminal activity that has grown to organized crime level,
with kidnapping dens representing criminal organizations creeping into different localities in
Nigeria. Kidnapping for ransom has taken prominence in recent years to the point where
families plot to kidnap their neighbours in order to collect ransom. The kidnap situation in
Nigeria is so critical that a considerable number of people kidnapped are inhumanely
murdered even after ransom payment has been made, and those who are trafficked across
state or national borders for modern slavery or sex labour are hardly ever recovered because
of the policing deficiency of the Nigerian law enforcement.
Kidnapping, by definition, means the crime of seizing, confining, abducting, or carrying away
a person by force or fraud often with a demand for ransom or in furtherance of another crime.
Other crimes such as cult killing, ritual killing, targeted or revenge killing, sexual exploitation,
human trafficking, etc, are made possible through kidnapping.
1.7.2 Social correlates of Kidnapping in Nigeria:
14
As already stated, the social correlates of kidnapping include but are not limited to a wide
range of social issues, some of which will be outlined and explained below to broaden the
understanding of the causes and implications of this menace of kidnapping.
1.7.2.1 Poverty: Poverty is a state where one lacks a socially acceptable amount of money or
material possessions. Poverty exists when people lack the means to satisfy their basic needs.
In this context, people live well below the expected societal acceptable standards of living.
Poverty denies people access to the three basic needs, which are clothing, feeding and shelter.
Nigerians who live below the poverty line are more than 130 million, a grim picture that tells
a story of frustration and desperation. In societies where there is poverty, there is a very high
tendency of crime. Crimes such as kidnapping that do not require much planning become
easy alternatives to solving the poverty problem.
1.7.2.2. Unemployment: Unemployment refers to a situation where a person is ready and
willing to work, and backs this desire by actively searching for employment but is unable to
find work. Unemployment is a key measure of the health of the economy, and an
unemployment rate that is over the roof creates a dependency problem that becomes an
unbearable strain on the economy. Like it is said, an idle hand is the devil’s workshop, most
people who engage in crime are usually not gainfully employed. Social factors like
unemployment work in correlation with the crime of kidnapping.
1.7.2.3. Peer Pressure: The period of youth is a critical point in the development of any
human person, in trying to find their identity and make their own way in the journey of life,
young people analyse the options available to them, the winning formulas that they can easily
utilize to get ahead in life. If they are socialized in a society where people easily turn to crime
to solve their financial needs, it is only a matter of time before they are influenced into
treading the same path. And if kidnapping is a thriving business in their locality, they
embrace it as a means of survival.
1.7.2.4. Economic Stagnation: Economic stagnation is an extended period of little to
no economic growth (traditionally measured in terms of the GDP growth), and it usually
results in high unemployment rate, unemployment which in turn facilitates criminal
tendencies. Economic downturns, stagnation, inflation are some of the many factors that
make life difficult for the citizenry of a country. Crime therefore creates an escape from the
harsh and biting conditions of a failing economy, as is the case with Nigeria.
15
1.7.2.5. Political and Religious Factors: Crime and political processes are linked on many
levels, agitations against the government usually results in the breakdown of law and order,
political rivalries have resulted in political assassinations and kidnapping, freedom fighting,
civil disobedience have taken rather ugly turns ranging from arson to kidnapping. The Boko
Haram group who prides themselves on despising western education have used kidnapping
has a tool to give weight to their outcry. The Fulani herdsmen and Niger/Delta militants have
done the same.
The religious angle includes religious intolerance that facilitates crimes such as kidnapping,
as well as ritual killings in mundane traditional religious practices that have survived
civilization. Strangers who visit such areas where ritual killings still happen can be abducted
and ritually terminated.
16
CHAPTERTWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
2.1 Introduction
This chapter analyses preceding works of other researchers that serve as secondary data
provider for this project. These literature are discussed in relations to the subject of the
research. This chapter will consider previously observed phenomena that have been outlined
and expatiated on as causes of kidnapping in urban, suburban, and rural areas, and how
comparisons can be drawn with how it concerns an area like Alimosho Local Government.
Phenomena such as unemployment, insecurity, a poor justice system, poor policing, poverty,
religious extremism, desperation for wealth are readily theorized as some of the social
correlates enabling kidnapping.
2.1.1 Kidnapping
Kidnapping which also means abduction is not limited to the forceful and illegal
apprehension of children as the literal meaning may suggest. It is the unlawful abduction of
children, adults, persons of any gender leaning, irrespective of age, clime, and social leanings
for ransom, ritual or any other purpose that deprives them their right to liberty and/or right to
life.
Alexander and Klein (2009) allude to early texts that reference the kidnapping of Abram’s
nephew (Lot), Julius Caesar, and Richard the Lionheart, suggesting how far back in time
kidnapping has been a part of human history. Children stolen from their parents in the 17th
century and were ferried away to North America to serve and work for rich merchants
popularized the word today known as kidnap; kid (child) - nap (to snatch or steal).
Kidnapping is a serious crime that has the potential of translating into other felonious
offenses, such as physical violence, financial victimization, and murder (Ibrahim and
Mukhtar 2020).
Ojonugwa (2020) supported the assertion that kidnapping is not a new phenomenon, sighting
the example of the biblical Joseph and how he was abducted by his brothers who lied to their
father about his death after selling him to Egyptian merchants. Ojonugwa also sighted the
village raids by militias in wartime Congo, who would raid villages to abduct village women
and children in furtherance of their modern slavery ambitions, putting them to work in
17
farmlands at little or no reward, or at worse turning them to child soldiers, which was
common practice by anti-government militias during the many different civil wars in Africa.
Kidnapping has become a major channel for modern day slavery in Nigeria, and with the
persistence of economic downturns, terror threats, civil unrest, police brutality in the Nigerian
polity, the desperation to seek greener pastures in unknown lands, the quest for cheap labour,
and the crimes sustained by the guise of agitations, the kidnap craze is continually fueled.
In Nigeria, the Yoruba language in particular, and rather transliterated from English,
kidnapping means ’gbomogbomo’ which roughly translates as ‘child snatching’. The
kidnapping spate has taken prominence in every corner of Nigeria today, in the Hausa
dominated north, and the Igbo dominated south-east, as well as the clusters of tribes and
ethnicity in the riverine south-south (Adewale, 2009).
What is ‘gbomogbomo’ to the Yoruba of the south west, means ‘ntori’ to the Igbo in the
south east and ‘maigarkuwa’ to the Hausa in northern Nigeria respectively. It is fitting that
each tribe have a unique sound to give kidnapping as it is a phenomenon that is ravaging the
whole fabrics of Nigeria today. Victims of this hideous crime whom according to the native
name (gbomogbomo) ought to be children and relatively young people by extension, have on
record been more of a wider range as backed by records, from kids to both adult males and
females, highly successful chief executive officers, politicians, sportsmen and women - their
family members included, top government functionaries, entertainers, traditional rulers,
public figures, pastors/clergymen, imams and traditional spiritualists, foreign investors and
development partners, etc (Ngwama J, C 2014).
The incidence of kidnapping in Nigeria has assumed widespread dimensions and in varying
expression, since the early 1990s. The rate of kidnapping in Nigeria is believed to have
geometrically increased such that more people are being kidnapped daily and in record time
compared to any other time in the century old history of the country, this of course includes
the 200 innocent Chibok girls kidnapped from their school dormitories, politicians, traditional
rulers, pastors and clergymen, and foreigners reported to have been kidnapped between 2014
and now. Hiscox Group, ranked Nigeria the 6th highest with recorded kidnapping cases in the
world, coming after Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and the Philippines. Kidnapping is
literally taking place everywhere in the country and not all of them are reported, it is a
national problem eating deep into the fabric of our society, taking the shape of terrorism as
well as other forms of political violence.
18
The blight of kidnapping in Nigeria continue to gain weight and relevance due to the high
level of corruption, unemployment, insensitive and unresponsive government parastatal to
societal needs, economic and political exploitation and social degradation that render many
skillful, active, able-bodied, and well educated Nigerian youths jobless driving them to
desperately seek alternatives to meet their begging needs (Odoemelam and Omage (2013:8).
Kidnapping is not far detached from the perpetuation of crimes such as gangsterism,
community hooliganism, land grabbing, terrorism, ritualism, etc, they all work hand in hand.
The failure of successive administrations in the Nigerian political space to address biting
issues such as poverty, unemployment and discriminate distribution of wealth among ethnic
nationalities, ultimately resulted to anger, agitation and violent crimes against the Nigerian
state by sometime individual or discontented groups. This research work is therefore an
attempt to investigate the social correlates of kidnapping with the important objective of
finding permanent and actionable solutions to the crime of kidnapping in Nigeria.
Over the last decade, the kidnap crime has become a craze with many caught in the berserk
quest to make quick money by illegally abducting other people, whereas encouraging even
everyday people to engage in it by kidnapping neighbours, and unsuspecting people from
their community exploiting the bond and connection between families who would not want
their loved ones to suffer or get exterminated in the snare of their kidnappers Okengwu (2010.
Kidnapping is a special type of violence (TRADOC, 2008). Akpan (2010) attempted to
differentiate between hostage-taking, hijacking and kidnapping. Practically, kidnapping
involves abduction. It is considered to occur when a person is seized or detained or moved
from one place to another against his or her will, or a situation in which a person is confined
to a controlled space without the confinement being from a legal authority, with the intent to
use the abduction in connection with some other evil or wicked objective (Protus and John,
2014).
Kidnapping is an offense in nearly under every national and international legal code
(Ottuhand Aitufe, 2014). Section 364 of the Nigerian Criminal Code provides: “Any person
who unlawfully imprisons any person, and takes him out of Nigeria, without his consent; or
unlawfully imprisons any person within Nigeria in such a manner as to prevent him from
applying to a court for his release or from discovering to any other person the place where he
is imprisoned, or in such a manner as to prevent any person entitled to have access to him
from discovering the place where he is imprisoned; is guilty of a felony, and is liable to
19
imprisonment for ten years.” The Penal Code in section 271 also provides thus: “Whoever
takes or entices any person under fourteen years of age if a male or under sixteen years of
age if a female, or any person of unsound mind out of the keeping of the lawful guardian of
such person without the consent of such guardian or conveys any such person beyond the
limits of Northern Nigeria without the consent of such removal, is said to kidnap such person.”
Section 273 further provides: “Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person shall be punished
with imprisonment for a term which extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine.”
While section 274 provides: “Whoever kidnaps or abducts any person in order that such
person may be killed or may be so disposed of as to be put in danger of being killed, or may
be so disposed of as to be put in danger of being killed, shall be punished with imprisonment
for a term which may extend to fourteen years and shall also be liable to fine.”
The understanding from the many literature being reviewed is that kidnapping is a criminal
and violent behavior. It is a special type of violence not very dissimilar to hostage taking,
hijacking, terrorism, armed and fatal robbery, etc. This study concerns itself with the acts of
violence intentionally orchestrated and perpetrated by kidnappers on their victims with the
goal of furthering some economic, ideological, religious or political objective.
The kidnapping of all manner of persons has gained ascendancy in Nigeria. A malady
previously unknown to the people has rapidly become domesticated. In the last two decades,
starting from the volatile oil rich regions of the Niger Delta that witnessed this phenomenon
through targeted expatriates and Nigerians working for international oil companies, it has
spread throughout the country reaching places as far as Kaduna and Borno in the far Northern
parts of Nigeria. The country has become a playground and a thriving hub for kidnappers.
Kidnapping appears easy to plan and execute compared to other forms of serious crimes,
requiring no sophistication as it usually targets vulnerable people or take advantage of
people’s daily routine. According to Davidson (2010), kidnappers are a group of criminals
armed with guns or other harmful weapons which they use to threaten and apprehend
unsuspecting victims, dragging them to a secluded location where they reach out to their
families to demand and facilitate ransom payment.
The police who have the mandate of providing security for the citizenry are most often caught
napping or even in bed with kidnappers giving them an unfair edge on the population. The
police, regrettably, end up facilitating ransom payment instead of rescuing kidnap victims and
arresting their abductors. The police have overtime proven to be poorly trained and poorly
20
equipped to handle kidnap cases, beyond these inadequacies, there are worrying signs that
their loyalty is suspect, arguments can be made that they give kidnappers free rein to operate
without consequences.
The primary role of any government is the security of lives and property of its people, a role
which has been widely ignored in Nigeria. The Nigerian state is failing in providing security
for the Nigerian people. Nigerians have compulsorily turned to prayers and become self
empowered vigilantes who depend on themselves for their own safety. However, kidnapping
like armed robbery is infinitely never to be expected except when traversing our all too
volatile highways, it often occurs when unsuspecting persons are going about their normal
business.
The widening scale of insecurity in Nigeria is a cause for concern as all are affected by it;
churches, mosques, markets, schools, homes and the highway, every person everywhere,
including highly secured VIPs are susceptible to this menace. The abductees and their
families are usually traumatized by the ordeal of kidnapping.
Foreign investors are gradually being discouraged from doing business in Nigeria. Nigerians
are paying the price of poor governance and failures of leadership. Davidson (2010) points
out that the general state of insecurity in some parts of the country has no doubt reached a
stage where virtually everybody is now worried about the direction the nation is going.
People can hardly sleep peacefully in areas where kidnapping is rife. Businessmen have taken
flight from volatile areas with their businesses for fear of being kidnapped. (Ngwama 2014.)
Kidnapping, as already defined, is an unlawful and coercive act of taking away of a person or
group of persons without their own volition to an undisclosed hostile environment often in
order to demand and obtain a ransom, or to settle political scores or in pursuance of political
vendetta before granting the captives freedom.
Kidnapping should not thrive in a country that expects its citizens and economy to thrive, all
efforts will be advised and suggested by sociologists and ethnographers interested in the fight
against kidnappers to aid the government in putting a stop to the social problem if they will
be willing and open to academic opinions.
2.1.2 Social Correlates of Kidnapping
Social correlates of kidnapping are the factors predetermined by the actions and inactions of
social constructs that influence criminal behaviours such as kidnapping. They include
21
inequality, poverty, unemployment, religious intolerance, politics, peer pressure, inflation,
etc.
Correlation is a term that refers to the strength of a relationship between two variables where
a strong, or high, correlation means that two or more variables have a strong relationship with
each other while a weak or low correlation means that the variables are hardly related.
(Crossman 2015).
Sociologists and researchers use statistical software like SPSS to determine whether a
relationship between two variables is present, and how strong it might be, and the statistical
process will produce a correlation coefficient that tells you this information. Ethnography and
other forms of societal study models can as well be used to observe the strength of correlation
between two variables. Aside the statistical backings that proves the strength of
socioeconomic and socio-political factors as determinants of kidnapping, an understanding of
the social reality of Nigerians in their locality like in Alimosho further ascertain the strength
of these correlates.
Social correlates measures how economic downturns, poverty and other social strains impart
on the crime of kidnapping, and based on study the correlation is quite high.
2.1.3 Social Correlates and Kidnapping: The phenomenon of kidnapping globally has been
attributed to a number of factors such as unemployment, poverty, economic depression,
inadequate security among others. In Nigeria and many other developing nations of SubSahara Africa, and Asia, the bottleneck problem of the phenomenon of kidnapping is
attributed to political, economic and social factors, most especially unemployment, poverty
and economic depression. There is an ever rising increase of frustrated youths in the country
who are being forced to engage in unlawful and criminal activities due to lack of work to
channel the reservoir of their energy. The need to meet the basic human needs force many of
them to engage in kidnapping as a survival strategy.
Supporting the above, Tepperman observed that Nigeria has a number of adolescent making a
living on the streets in their own quest to survive the economic hardship, and as such exposed
to all forms of risks including kidnapping. The widespread of the kidnapping business in
Nigeria is also attributed to the long period of government neglect of those areas where the
menace of kidnapping is frequent, most especially the northeast, and south-south and parts of
the northwest (Zamfara state especially), causing the people to be hostile, aggressive, and
22
ever eager to disrespect the law, and adopt militant confrontation to force the hand of
governments and draw their attention to the plight of the people.
2.1.3.1. Insecurity: The underlying stimulus of the kidnapping phenomenon in Nigeria is
insufficient police response, which has made kidnapping regrettably a thriving crime, with
people more concerned about negotiating and paying ransoms instead of depending on the
police to do their job and apprehend these criminals from wherever they may be holed in.
Kidnapping will remain a lucrative business if this laxity of law enforcement remains.
General insecurity in the country is one of the key reasons why kidnapping increases; arising
abduction rate, prostitution, child labour, unlawful criminal activities, smuggling, selling of
human parts are connected to the crime of kidnapping. Insecurity has a choke-hold over our
society today that one is constrained to travel at will, social relations have become difficult to
maintain as even neighbours and family cannot be trusted. Even in the comfort of ones home,
security is not guaranteed; people have been abducted from their homes, students abducted
from their hostels and dormitories, passengers abducted in transit, etc.
2.1.3.2. Ritual and Spiritual Correlates: Ritual and spiritual proclivity have relatively
medial correlations with kidnapping. However, the ‘get rich quick syndrome’ that is at an alltime high in Nigerian societies can result in ritual kidnapping. Those who do not have the
level of intelligence to engage in cyber-crime (another thriving criminal industry in Nigeria),
turn to the other lucrative industry of kidnapping for ritual purposes. Unlucky victims of
kidnapping who fall into the snares of ritualistic people or remotely cannibals are murdered
and their body parts are incapacitated for the purpose of ritual money and spiritual protections
or sort, a practice more common in the south west, middle-belt areas, and south eastern parts
of Nigeria, most especially among the people still engaged in traditional religion debauchery
(AbdulKabir O.S, 2017).
2.1.3.3. Eroding Social Values: The gradual and persistent loss of social values in Nigeria is
another social correlate responsible for kidnapping, eroding social values like absence of
empathy, lack of respect for norms and values, displacement of the significant other,
illegitimate acquisition of wealth and disappearance of the belief system among others are
aiding factors influencing the phenomenon of kidnapping in Nigeria. A father abducting his
own son, a husband gruesomely murdering his own wife, a friend betraying the trust of
another, all for the purpose of ritualism or making quick ransom money are testaments to
eroding social values.
23
2.1.3.4. Governmental Inefficiency: The apathy of politicians to the needs of the poor and
failed economic policies encourage all sorts of criminal behaviour in the state including
kidnapping. The high rate of unemployment, poverty, increasing cost of living are impetus to
social anomalies that characterized the Nigeria state today. Social injustice, proliferation of
dangerous weapons, high rate of inflation, political parochialism, poor remuneration of law
enforcement agents, poverty and indiscipline are solely and collectively account for the
widespread of kidnapping in the country.
2.1.3.5. The Economy as a Dimension of Kidnapping: Enobakhare, O. Eseosa B.Sc, MRes ,
Omage, I. Mannie B.Sc, Msc & Anyamene, Augustine MSc, PhD in their study suggested
that the economic mobility of poor masses is a major prelude to kidnapping in Nigeria. Some
of the socially disadvantaged in society in their approach to overturn the status-quo of
marginalization abduct the rich and influential to turn the tide a bit in their favour. The crime
of Kidnapping can be attributed to the demise of cultural values like hardwork (obtaining
wealth from patient and consistent honest work), as a consequence, widespread poverty,
inequality and a widening gap between the rich and poor as well as uneven distribution of
resources among socioeconomic and ethnic groups in Nigerian society continue to surface.
Okengwu (2010), asserted that the problem of Nigeria is not so much a lack of wealth, but
uneven distribution of resources. In summary, this maintains that crime is magnified by the
unequal distribution of wealth. According to the Nation (10 May, 2002), kidnappers see
themselves as businessmen - a rational choice made to balance the table, to get them a share
at the top drawer.
Records from the Western World suggest that the economic reasons for kidnapping is as old
as can be remembered: The research works of Cyriax, Wilson and Wilson show that the first
case of kidnapping for economic intention was that of four year old Charlie Ross in the
United States of America. The authors backed their arguments by highlighting the kidnapping
upsurge in seventeenth-century England, which comprised the haulage of children through
abductions to various locations; home and abroad on the basis of child labour and or slavery.
Any uncertainty that may exist about the relation between money and kidnapping is put to
bed by evidence of the of kidnapping of children for hard labour in order to make money, a
clearly economic induced purpose (Cyriax et al., 2005: 234 cited in Ugwuoke, 2011:4).
In African literature, Osumah and Aghedo (2011:279) consolidate the view that the economic
type of kidnapping is majorly fueled by business rivalry. More than enough literature has
been published on the economic form of kidnapping that can easily be traced to greed and a
24
lust for money (Onimhawo & Ehiemua, 2010, Osuman & Aghedo 2011). Kidnappers are
willing to violate all known rules and regulations, go against every iota of humanity, in order
to attain riches. (Onimhawo & Ehiemua, 2010). Akpan (2013) makes clear that the
mechanisms responsible for fostering economic form of kidnapping in Nigeria include
persistent poverty and unemployment. A stable GDP and a growing economy, according to
statistical records, have not translated to prosperity for Nigerians, the poverty rate is still on
the rise. Conclusively indicating that kidnapping happens in Nigeria because of the anguish of
poverty, and the hopelessness of the economy that is incapable of sustaining Nigerians.
2.1.3.6. The Political Dimension of Kidnapping: Continuing with the work of Enobakhare,
O. Eseosa B.Sc, MRes , Omage, I. Mannie B.Sc, Msc & Anyamene, Augustine MSc, PhD;
Political kidnapping is engaged in in order to acquire power and self-praising wishes (Chabal
and Daloz, 1999). In 2007, Smith published a paper which described one of the high profile
incidences of the politically motivated form of kidnapping. This account was the abduction
carried out on July 2003 of the serving governor of Anambra State, Dr Chris Ngige (Smith
2007, PP: 125-130). A detailed examination by Ngwama (2014) substantiated this view by
highlighting the case in Anambra State where the former central bank governor and PDP
gubernatorial candidate's father was kidnapped by members of his political party because they
felt marginalized by the PDP political procedure. Surveys conducted by Iyang (2009:533)
assert that the undue distribution of arms by political leaders during elections to miscreants,
that were used for politically inspired selfish gains has incited kidnapping in Nigeria. In a
controversial view of the politically motivated form of kidnapping in Nigeria, Ugwuoke
(2011:6) states that some politically motivated forms of kidnappings in Nigeria were
anchored on kidnapping for rituals especially by politicians who are strong believers in the
dark forces or ‘juju’ as it is called. Ugwuoke (2011) paper has suggested that the political
form of kidnapping for ritual purposes in Nigeria is done as part of preparations for political
campaigns and to win elections. In another study, Akpan (2013: 40) demonstrated that the
political form of kidnapping could be assumed to take three forms especially in the Niger
Delta region of Nigeria. These include: members of the opposition group, youth militants
who have been used and dumped, and group of ambitious serving politicians coordinating the
business of kidnapping in order to extort from the State through the demand of a ransom fee.
Since the commencement of a democratic regime in Nigeria, the kidnapping endeavour has
been carried out in abhorrent dimensions. The political ethos in Nigeria puts winning
elections at all cost as the primary goal. This is often linked to their great interest in acquiring
25
power. One more aspect fueling political disarray in Nigeria is that of political cartels. There
have been inter-political and intra-political party rebellions due to certain politicians trying to
please their so called ‘godfathers’. For instance, in the year 2013, there were numerous namecallings by the incumbent president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, and the ex-president
Olusegun Obasanjo. The political conflict was based on the breakdown of ‘godfather’ and
‘godson’ relationship. In spite of this dynamic, the diversity in tribal, religious, and
geographical nature has spurred political crisis in Nigeria. Thus, these lingering disputes have
transcended to a state of political ethnic marginalization and religious sentimentality. Ayodele
and Adeyemi (2006) express concern over the situation of politics in Nigeria by quoting their
experiences which are as follow. Lessons learned from the 2007 general elections tinted the
view that political activities in the country were no doubt fraudulent in disposition. The idea
of politicking has been intermixed with bloodshed. Political aspirants contesting for political
positions have engaged themselves in the abduction of their closest rivals in order to win
elections. The event in the year 2011 corroborates this view. Reports garnered, thus revealed
that, there were acute cross-fires challenging the People Democratic Party (PDP), and the All
Progressive Congress (APC) in order to attain political control in Nigeria (cited in Vanguard
Newspaper, 2011). The unjustifiable hostility has during the ward congress of the PDP, an
intraparty affair, many politicians went to the congress venue armed with assault rifles and
acid containers for the possible use on opponents (Ayodele Adeyemi, 2006:370).
2.1.3.7 Insecurity and Insufficient and Unethical Policing as a Dimension of Kidnapping:
Enobakhare, O. Eseosa B.Sc, MRes , Omage, I. Mannie B.Sc, Msc & Anyamene, Augustine
MSc, PhD; The ex-Military Head of State of Nigeria Abdul Salami Abubakar denoted that
the insecurity situation in Nigeria has affected other key sectors of the Nation (Adagba, Ugwu
& Eme, 2012). The terrifying accounts and reports of terrorism, kidnapping and armed
robbery have shed light on the chaotic state of law enforcement in Nigeria.
Previous studies carried out by Ezeoha (2011:38) reviewed the causes and effects of
insecurity in Nigeria with the following ideology.
The Nigeria Police Force has been widely associated with some nerve-racking terminologies.
Osumah and Aghedo (2011) accounted that the Nigeria police force is weak and unreliable.
Other terms are lack of enforcement of the law, corruptible practices and an unacceptable
culture. The security state in the Niger delta, has witnessed a continuous turbulence.
Unalterably, the crippled Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has been one major factor stimulating
this drift. The government has placed high level of importance on security. This has been
26
proven through the yearly budget allocation disbursed. Several attempts to study the Nigeria
Police Force have made known that the Nigeria Police culture has been undoubtedly
unethical (Iyang, 2006). The competencies such as, Physical fitness, sense of justice,
knowledge of the law, communication skills, bravery and quick thinking have been eroded.
Recent evidence suggests that considerable steps to put the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on
track are undeveloped. The day to day operations of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) are pokes
full of holes. These are evident, through the pattern in which police men and women are lured
into bribery. However, Ikime (2006) conjectures their duty of stop and search everyday is
nefarious in nature. This exemplifies the pattern seen in numerous cases, where a token of
N20 naira or more is passed on to them during road check. Malkano et al (2013) in their
paper; examined the relationship between the police and members of the public in Nigeria.
Malkano et al's paper affirmed that cooperation between the police and the public is a
requirement for the success of any law enforcement. They further suggested that the police
could not serve effectively without the support of the citizenry.
Empirical Literature
2.1.4. OBJECTIVE I: Causes of Kidnapping in Nigeria
2.1.4.1. Unemployment: Unemployment is a term used to refer to individuals who are
employable and actively seeking jobs but are unable to find any. This bracket includes people
in the workforce who have work that cannot be tagged an appropriate job. Unemployment
rate is measured by dividing the number of unemployed people by the total number of people
in the workforce, unemployment serves as one of the indicators of a country’s economic
status, and by extension a contributory factor to the crime rate. There is a belief that
kidnapping is mostly caused by unemployment, and it is believable because the high
unemployment rate has lured some youths to find other ways to earn money even though such
means are usually illegal (Nigerian Tribune, 2019). A cash-strapped unemployed person may
believe that when he kidnaps someone who is rich, he may be able to become rich himself.
Therefore, it is pertinent for the Federal Government to put more effort into training antikidnapping agents and create jobs for Nigeria’s teeming youths, get them busy, and give them
one less reason to engage in crime.
2.1.4.2. Poverty: Poverty, in a lay man’s definition, is simply not having enough money to
meet basic needs such as feeding, clothing and shelter.
encompassing much more than readily comes to mind.
27
However, poverty is holistic,
The World Bank Organization describes poverty in this way:
“Poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is being sick and not being able
to see a doctor. Poverty is not having access to school and not knowing how to read.
Poverty is not having a job, is fear for the future, living one day at a time.
Poverty has many faces, changing from place to place and across time, and has been
described in many ways. Most often, poverty is a situation people want to escape. So
poverty is a call to action -- for the poor and the wealthy alike -- a call to change the
world so that many more may have enough to eat, adequate shelter, access to
education and health, protection from violence, and a voice in what happens in their
communities.”
Poverty in itself is an offshoot of unemployment, and where the economic status of a country
is less than desired, crime is inevitable. To break free from the chains of poverty in a country
where 133 million of its citizens live below the poverty line, some turn to kidnapping as a less
tedious means to profit. Addressing the poverty issue, and lifting millions of impoverished
people out of the peril of hunger, uncertainty, and haplessness must be at the forefront of the
fight against poverty.
2.1.4.3. Peer Pressure: Peer pressure has been linked to criminal behavior, however, it has not
been found to be a primary excuse for a lot of people who engage in criminal behavior. In the
case of adolescents, teenagers, and young adults, immaturity and a dearth of proper life
experiences are more suspect to be positively correlated to how much the negative influence of
others can impact destructive behavior, such as becoming involved in crimes. Dr. David
Fassler, a psychiatry professor, claims that the immaturity found in juveniles around the ages
of 16 to 19 (the concluding teenage years) can lead to impulsivity, irrationality and aggressive
behavior. This age has been rightly argued as the period of rebellion by young people. They
become susceptible and vulnerable to peer influences that encourage deviant behaviors and
ultimately crime. Peer influence cannot be understated, it has been proven to encourage crime
among Nigerian youths, there are cases where young people are lured into cybercrimes because
of the pressure from their peers, and this extends into kidnapping and ritual killings. There are
recorded cases in police archives of young people under the age of 18 caught with body parts
of other young people which they intend to use to make quick money through rituals.
28
2.1.4.4. Political Factors: The Boko Haram sect, Fulani Herders and the Niger-Delta
militants who use kidnapping as part of their political protestations are major parts and parcel
of the social correlates influencing kidnapping in Nigeria. In Abuja, the seat of government,
institutions are so weak that corruption has been institutionalized. More worryingly,
kidnapping of expatriates in the oil-rich Niger-Delta region has added to the twists of
insecurity bedeviling the Nigerian state in space and scale.
Of the challenges enumerated, kidnapping in the Niger-Delta as a phenomenon deserves
urgent scrutiny. Other security challenges faced by Nigeria, although important, have a veiled
connection to the violent developments in the Niger-Delta. The region is the goose that lays
the golden eggs of the Nigerian state. Indeed, 90 percent of Nigeria’s foreign earnings comes
from the sale of crude oil explored from the region. It is from the revenues from the region
that other challenges afflicting the nation receives concomitant resource attention. Therefore,
ensuring the unfettered production of oil while guaranteeing the safety of oil workers is not
only important to the Nigerian state but at the core of its survival.
It must also be stated that the kidnapping menace has extended considerably into political
rivalry with political foes using it as a means of silencing and/or incapacitating opponents
who stand between them and their ambitions.
2.1.4.5. Religious Intolerance: According to the Encyclopedia of World Problems and
Human Potential, Religious intolerance involves the acts of denying rights of people of
another religious faith to practice and express their beliefs freely. Religious intolerance is
expressed in discrimination, repression and religious rivalry, and results in or results from
persecution. It leads to war and persistent hatred between nations and between peoples within
nations. Religious extremists who have high level of intolerance for other faiths are on record
guilty of denying other faiths the freedom of practicing their religion, some bishops, priests
and pastors of the minority Christian north have fallen victims of kidnap by some of these
extremists. Nigeria, sadly, ranks number one as the country where more Christians are
martyred, this is usually after they have been kidnapped.
2.1.4.6. Human trafficking: Human trafficking is a major player in the kidnapping business,
it is a form of organized crime that is well structured and has a continuous and consistent
flow of kidnapped people transported to different parts of the world either for servitude or sex
trading.
29
2.1.5. OBJECTIVE II: Damages Kidnapping Cause The Nigerian Government And
People:
2.1.5.1. Psychological Trauma: Hostage and kidnap survivors can experience stress
reactions including denial, impaired memory, shock, numbness, anxiety, guilt, depression,
anger, and a sense of helplessness. Freedom almost always brings a sense of elation and relief.
However, adjusting back to the real world after being held hostage can be just as difficult as
abruptly leaving it. Upon release, many hostage survivors are faced with transitioning from
conditions of isolation and helplessness to sensory overload and freedom. This transition
often results in significant adjustment difficulties.
Hostage and kidnap survivors can experience stress reactions. Typical reactions occur in:
Thinking: Intrusive thoughts, denial, impaired memory, decreased concentration, being
overcautious and aware, confusion, or fear of the event happening again
Emotions: Shock, numbness, anxiety, guilt, depression, anger, and a sense of helplessness
Interactions: Withdrawal and avoidance of family, friends, activities, and being on edge.
Such reactions to an extremely stressful event are understandable and normal. These are
typical responses and generally decrease after a period of time. It is common for people’s
reactions to vary from one individual to another. According to research, hostage survivors
sometimes develop an unconscious bond to their captors and experience grief if their captors
are harmed. They may also feel guilty for developing a bond. This is typically referred to as
the Stockholm syndrome.
Kidnap survivors may also have feelings of guilt for surviving while others did not. It is
important for survivors to recognize that these are usual human reactions to being held
captive.
When kidnap victims are released, it is essential for them to:

Receive medical attention

Be in a safe and secure environment

Connect with loved ones

Have an opportunity to talk or journal their experience if and when they choose.

Receive resources and information about how to seek counseling, particularly if their
distress from the incident is interfering with their daily lives.

Protect their privacy (e.g. avoid media overexposure including watching and listening
to news and participating in media interviews)
30

Take time to adjust back into family and work
Family and friends can support survivors by listening, being patient, and focusing on their
freedom instead of engaging in negative talk about the captors.
It is important to realize that families and friends of hostages are confronted with numerous
issues in coping with fears and uncertainties as well and may also need support in dealing
with their own emotional reactions.
Released kidnap victims need time to recover from the physical, mental, and emotional
difficulties they faced. However, it is important to keep in mind that human beings are highly
resilient and can persevere in spite of tragedy. Research shows that positive growth and
resilience can occur following trauma.
Survivors may feel lost or have difficulty managing intense reactions and may need help
adjusting to their old life following release. If there are chronic indications of stress,
continued feelings of numbness, disturbed sleep, as well as other signs, the hostage survivor
might want to consider seeking help from a licensed mental health professional, such as a
psychologist, who can help develop an appropriate strategy for moving forward.
2.1.5.2 Economic Implications
To individuals: The large sum of money spent as ransom payment could affect the state
economy drastically. Many people kidnapped pay a lot of money as ransom. This situation
affects both state and household economy. Some people usually go as far as borrowing to bail
their relatives out of the hands of hoodlums. Families are forced into debt, the urgency that
the liberty of their abducted family requires force them into selling valuables, getting loans,
and making financial decisions that come back to bite. Some had to endure the ignominy of
soliciting public support that is solely dependent on people’s charity which they cannot
hundred percent trust to work.
To the Government: Ransom payment has become a modern day reality of the Nigerian
government, there are rumors that the release of top government officials has been facilitated
through ransom payment. This in addition to the logistical troubles, the pressure on law
enforcement, public outcry and other societal hives disturbed by a publicize kidnapping
activity.
31
Health implications and possible death of abducted persons: Abducted persons are
usually at the mercy of their abductors who can at will cause them lasting bodily damaged, or
at worse, take their lives at the slightest provocation.
2.1.6. OBJECTIVE III: The problem of kidnapping and what it costs kidnap victims.
Kidnapping is a menace to the society. Kidnapping has led to the loss of tens of thousands of
lives and the waste of huge sums of money in Nigeria. Many of the victims of the crime have
been killed in the course of their abduction, custody or release. Many more have been injured.
This is in addition to huge amounts of money lost to ransom. For the victims and their
families and friends, the consequences are even more frightful.
Nigeria should never have gotten here. Kidnappers persist because the benefits of their crimes
exceed the costs. So the obvious solution is to raise the costs by imposing harsher, surer
penalties. The present penalty for kidnapping ranges from one to 20 years in prison, with the
possibility of life imprisonment for extreme cases involving, for instance, murder.
Stricter measures, such as life imprisonment or the death penalty, may not be completely out
of place in dealing with the kidnapping menace. After all, the crime of kidnapping is a
maximum threat that requires an equally maximum deterrence.
2.1.7. OBJECTIVE IV: Actionable Solutions to Kidnapping
There are solutions that may help reduce the rate of kidnapping, including:
2.1.7.1. Training Efficient Anti-Kidnapping Agents: Aside creating an agency of
government whose major focus is combating and curtailing the crime of kidnapping, the
hiring and training of agents capable of combating the issue diligently, heads on and
patriotically is equally important. When law enforcement agencies are actively involved in
fighting the crime of kidnapping, committing all efforts, engaging all stakeholders, utilizing
every known method, both psychological and forensic, involving kidnap survivors and the
community, the incidence of the crime of kidnapping can be considerably lessened.
2.1.7.2. Monitoring the Police: The Nigerian police cannot be trusted to perform their
functions without being checked and balanced to go totally by the books, and end the kidnap
32
madness. Our law enforcement have been compromised, some bad eggs (who unfortunately
are many) are enablers of kidnappers, they take the bribe option over prosecuting known
criminals. Reports have shown that the police are involved in some kidnappings, carrying out
the crime with government issued firearms. Notable examples have occurred in countries like
Mexico where the justice system is a farce, and too much can never be said about this same
madness in the Nigerian setting. Eliminating the criminals within the law enforcement is
pivotal in the fight against kidnapping.
2.1.7.3. Serious Punishments for Offenders: Mild punishments or a shoulder rub is no
solution to the problem of kidnapping, the government must be harsher, unfriendly, and
stringent when dealing with arrested kidnappers. The most serious form of punishment must
be meted out, only then can criminals face the full force of the book, and other intending
criminals deterred from doing same. When the government treats kidnappers harshly, fewer
abductions will occur.
2.1.7.4. Creation of Jobs: A busy person is less susceptible to fall to the wiles and allures of
crime. Generating jobs; profiting, rewarding and fulfilling jobs for the citizens, especially the
youth, can have a tremendous impact on the fight against kidnapping. People who are
gainfully employed seldom commit harmful crimes like kidnapping.
2.1.8. OBJECTIVE IV: Government Policies That Can Discourage Kidnapping
2.1.8.1. Dialogue and Rehabilitation: Aside from the use of force, the government can adopt
a less aggressive approach in engaging criminals, negotiation and listening to the demands of
kidnappers, understanding the purpose of their agitations and their objective for abducting
people can go a long way in addressing the issue of kidnapping. Another effective method is
the use of dialogues and rehabilitation, Mauritania for example is trying to engage militants
in religious dialogue and rehabilitate them. Working with religious leaders, governments can
attack the religious justifications for terrorism and kidnapping. Governments can send
preachers into communities where kidnappers of that particular faith are known to operate;
these preachers serving as the earpiece and mouthpiece of not only God but also of
communal values can help denounce the group activities. Engaging clerics and clergymen
who sympathize with kidnappers, who can understand them and who the kidnappers will inturn respect and honour their opinions, and backed by the credibility can go a long way in
33
fighting kidnapping. The amnesty granted terrorists in northern Nigeria can be extended as a
from of goodwill to kidnappers, encouraging as many as possible of them to drop the gun and
forswear the business for a shot at an honest job and a better life.
2.1.8.2. Political and Economic Reform: Political and economic reforms cannot be
substituted with any other method in the fight against kidnapping, it must be central in the
fight against kidnapping. Governments and government parastatal must leave no stone
unturned in the quest to better the economy and make it conducive for businesses and
individuals to thrive. Some of the political reforms stated below can and should be utilized in
attempting to address root causes of terrorism.

Identifying and purging financiers and sympathizers of kidnappers in government.

Conducting listening tours in areas mostly affected by kidnapping, listening to mothers
whose sons now bear arms, listening to wives whose husband is still languishing in the
dens of kidnappers, and engaging community and traditional heads to understand
loopholes where the kidnap situation rises from.

Equipping, training, and monitoring law enforcement agencies while also ensuring the
autonomy of the justice system.

Nullifying every channel possible through which kidnappers transport their ill-gotten
money. The recent move by the CBN to go cashless and limit the amount of money in
circulation is a laudable way of discouraging kidnapping.
Economic interventions should center around identifying the networks through which
kidnappers transport and exchange their victims for ransom, block these channels, and also
use these findings to prevent potential kidnappers from becoming kidnappers by involving
them in alternative economic activities that are attractive and profiting, the best gift you can
give to an unemployed youth, an angry and frustrated Nigerian youth is a job and the promise
of a better life.
2.1.8.3. Force: Preemptive force includes surveillance that leads to arrests and foiled
plots, intergovernmental and interagencies policing and military operations, and training
missions by Western armies are methods that can guarantee solutions to the problem of
kidnapping.
To combat kidnapping, government must first, ensure effective border control, not only
national borders, but also state and community borders. There must be an unseen eye in the
34
sky watching out for criminals and kidnappers alike. Secondly, the provision of a reliable and
unique identification number for each individual, such as the National ID card, Driver’s
license, and Voters cards which government agencies can easily access at hospitals, airports,
train stations, schools, etc to identify known or wanted criminals, and facilitate their arrest
before they are able to do any further damage to the citizenry.
Third, curbing of corruption within and among Nigerian law enforcement agencies is at first
the primary function of a responsive government. If the corruption within and among the few
Nigerian law enforcement agencies is tackled, the problem of kidnapping for ransom is half
dealt with. This will in turn restore the confidence in law enforcement in Nigerians who will
feed law enforcement agencies the necessary information to tackle kidnapping for ransom.
Fourth, creating a better relationship between the locals and Nigerian law enforcement
agencies. There’s a clear distrust for the police by Nigerians, the experiences many have
faced when they encounter unprofessional elements strife in the police force has created a
distrust and a strained relationship. People are not encouraged to report crime, because of the
laxity of the Nigerian police and their undying love for bribes and handouts. The Nigerian
government must do all it can to repair this break in connection.
However, in relation to Nigeria’s present situation, the Nigerian government should establish
dedicated community policing, therefore creating a better relationship with traditional leaders,
religious leaders, youths, and other social organizations within communities in Nigeria. This
will aid in curbing the problem of kidnapping in Nigeria as trust will be established between
the community and law enforcement agencies, and together they can stem kidnapping
incidents before they arise.
2.1.9. Gap in Literature
According to findings from different articles and field works on the ugly but thriving business
of kidnapping in Nigeria, kidnapping is caused by factors varying from harsh economic
conditions, poverty, unemployment, human trafficking, political desperation, e.t.c. Despite
the effect of kidnapping on the Nigerian society at large, little is known about the proficiency
of the problem in a closeted area like Alimosho Local Government of Lagos State. The
available literature reviewed in this chapter touched on the kidnapping problem across
Nigeria and Africa, however, none so far specifically highlights the problem in Alimosho.
This study therefore hopes to provide answers to the kidnapping question in this area, as well
35
as bring to light instances, however few, of the crime in Alimosho Local Government of
Lagos State.
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.2.1 Frustration–Aggression Theory: Frustration–Aggression theory was propounded by
John Dollard and his team of researchers in 1939. The theory was expanded and modified by
Leonard Berkowitz and others in 1962. This theory believes that when individuals or groups
are denied what they feel they desire legitimately, they feel disappointed which will lead to
frustration and violent behaviour. The violent behaviour will be directed at those they
perceive are responsible directly or indirectly for such denial. It also maintains that where
expectation does not meet attainment, people tend to confront those they feel are responsible
for not attaining the expected issues or benefits. The non-attainment of the expectation leads
to anger, frustration and aggressive behaviour or violence. This theory is of the opinion that
when youths struggles to go through the rigors of training themselves in schools and
eventually come out in flying colours hoping they will get a rewarding job at the end of the
day but the jobs are nowhere to be found, and six years after graduation they are still being
forced to depend on their parents and family who are equally struggling for support, they are
more likely to get frustrated and find criminal behaviour less daunting and a bit more
attractive, seeing it as a last resort.
This theory explains the behaviour of Niger-Delta militants, the behaviour of Boko Haram
insurgents, who feel they’ve been too patient with a government who has failed to listen to
their cries and dissatisfaction, hence they turn to crimes like terrorism and kidnapping to
shake the hornets nest and draw attention to their agitations.
2.2.2. Rational Choice Theory: The Rational choice theory originated in the 18th century by
Adam Smith. The rational choice theory of crime strongly argue that criminals have very
strong prior intent to commit the act. In the opinion of these theorists, man is a reasoning
actor who weighs means and ends, cost and benefits, and makes a rational choice (Cornish
and Clarke, 1986). The position of the rational theorists assumed that crime is a purposive
behaviour designed to meet the offender’s commonplace needs for such things as money,
status, sex and excitement, and that meeting these needs involves the making of decisions and
choices (Clarke, 1997). Apparently, Rational Choice is based on numerous assumptions, one
of which is individualism (Gul,2009). The offender sees himself as an individual. Secondly,
individuals have to maximize their goals, and thirdly, individuals are self- interested (Gul,
36
2009). Essentially, offenders are thinking about themselves and their personal goals.
Kidnapping as a criminal behaviour represents a typical rational crime. It has increased in
breath and sophistication in Nigeria since its advent in early 2007, however it has been on
record long before then. This paper examined the phenomenon of kidnapping in Nigeria, with
focus on the adoption of the principles inherent in the Rational Choice Theory by the law and
the judicial system; towards stemming and controlling the psychological and social problem
called kidnapping.
2.2.3 The Strain Theory: The theory was first propounded by Emile Durkheim and was later
advanced by Robert K. Merton (1938) and others. This theory is a sociological belief that
pressure mounted on an individual by social structures (correlates) within the society such as
lack of income or lack of quality education, economic struggles, poverty, unemployment, etc,
put strain on them mentally, financially and even physically, driving such persons to engage
in crimes such as peddling of drugs, prostitution to make wealth, and in the case of this study,
kidnapping for ransom (Wikipedia, 2018).
2.3 Conceptual Framework
Strain Theory











Social Correlates
Economic
downturn
Unemployment
Poverty
Academic
frustrations
Peer pressure
Hunger
Anger
Depression
Desperation
Intolerance
Withdrawal
Intervening
Variables
OUTCOME OF THE STUDY
Independent
Variables
Independent

There should be creation of jobs and every
means possible to engage people in profitable
businesses.

Enforcing law and justice, and equipping a
responsive policing 37
department.

Economic and political stability.
Kidnapping


Crime
Tendency to
hurt others
Dependent Variables
Independent variable:
The independent variables in the social correlates of kidnapping are the socioeconomic and
the socio-political factors that are capable of pushing citizens to get involved in the criminal
activity, as listed above, they include economic downturn and instability such as rising
inflation and stagnating income, systematic poverty, academic failures and societal
frustrations, as well as negative peer influence.
Dependent variable: Kidnapping is not an innate ambition or a desire that is naturally born
except in very rare instances, it is usually in reaction to some sort of dissatisfaction with the
political or economic entities of a society. This criminal activity is dependent on social
factors that push people to make the rational choice of crime to solve their financial and status
related problems.
Intervening variable: These are variables that can influence the relationship between the
independent and dependent variables, these variables include hunger born of poverty,
joblessness borne of unemployment, depression and desperation encouraged by negative peer
influence, etc.
38
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
Research methodology is the specific procedures or techniques used to identify, select,
process, and analyze information about a topic.. It involves a careful enquiry into discovering
new relation and information to expand existing knowledge. Explicitly, a researcher is
expected to carefully answer the question of how data will be collected and analyzed.
Research methodology is concerned with the total method and procedure utilized in
conducting the research; the methodological elements include the research design, study
population, sample and sampling techniques, instrument for data collection and method of
data analysis.
3.1 Research Design
Qualitative research is a research methodology that focuses on obtaining data through openended and conversational communication. This method is about “what” people think and
“why” they think so, what they have observed and how the phenomenon shapes their area of
expertise or concern. Qualitative research methods are designed in a manner that help reveal
the perception and opinion of a target audience with reference to a particular topic. This
research design is favored in this study as it would help us get expert opinions on the issue of
kidnapping in Alimosho, the immediate causes of kidnapping, and the best approaches that
can be taken to put a stop to it.
There are different types of qualitative research methods; they include in-depth interview,
focus group discussion, ethnographic research, key informant interview, content analysis, etc.
The results of qualitative methods are more descriptive and the inferences can be drawn quite
easily from the data that is obtained.
The following are the qualitative research methods that are frequently used:
1. In-depth Interview is one of the most common qualitative research methods. It is a
personal interview that is carried out with one respondent at a time. This is purely a
conversational method and invites opportunities to get details in depth from the respondent.
One of the advantages of this method provides a great opportunity to gather precise data
about what people believe and what their motivations are. These interviews can be performed
face-to-face or on phone and usually can last between half an hour to two hours or even more.
39
When the in-depth interview is conducted face to face it gives a better opportunity to read the
body language of the respondents and connect their responses to their emotions.
2. Key Informant Interview is an extension of In-depth interview where only key members
of the community who know what is going on are interviewed. Data collected from them can
be better trusted. Key informants will be interviewed in the process of this study to get
descriptive and explanatory analyses of the problem of kidnapping.
3.2 The Study Area: Alimosho is a town and Local Government Area (LGA) in Lagos
State Nigeria located on the northernmost part of the state. The 2006 Census put the city’s
population at 1,288,714, a figure that was strongly debated by the Lagos state government,
today, the estimated population is 3,082,900, making it the most populated LGA in Lagos.
Alimosho has now been subdivided into several Local Community Development Areas
(LCDA). The LCDA restructuring kicked off after the administration of Bola Ilori, who was
the last chairman of the old single Alimosho Local Government. The six sub-divisions
created out of the old Alimosho are: Agbado/Oke-odo LCDA, Ayobo/Ipaja LCDA, Alimosho
LG, Egbe/Idimu LCDA, Ikotun/Igando LCDA and Mosan Okunola LCDA. The LGA
contains the urban area of Egbeda/Akowonjo.
40
Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, Lagos.
3.3 The Study Population: The study population for this study consists of both male and
female respondents who have key information on the kidnapping menace, those who have
survived kidnappers den, the police station at Alimosho, key informants like community
heads and the Local Government office, as well as experts on criminology.
3.4 Sample Size / Sampling Techniques: Sample is the sub-set of the population that will be
drawn from the total population for study. Sampling is the process of selecting units e.g.,
people, organizations, from a population of interest so that by studying them, fairly
generalized results would be gotten in respect to the population from which they were chosen.
Due to the nature of the study, a Non-random sampling technique will be used, to get all the
important details.
In non-random sampling, the sample selection follows a particular set of conditions and is
generally used in studies where the sample needs to be collected based on a specific
characteristic of the population. For example, this researcher is focused on only key members
of Alimosho Local Government who can give detailed insights and provide records on the
41
issue of kidnapping in the area. Non-random sampling is also known as purposive or
subjective sampling, non-random sampling methods include convenience, judgment, quota
and snowball sampling.
3.5 Data Collection Procedure: Data for this study will be collected through primary and
secondary sources. The secondary data will be derived from library documents, publication
on the internet and relevant materials to the study. The instrument of data collection refers to
the tool used to elicit responses from respondents to meet the study's objectives and provide
answers to the research questions. For this study, qualitative techniques is considered
appropriate. Hence, in-depth interviews will be conducted, and data will be collected based
on the responses given by the key informants.
3.6 The Instrument for Data Collection: The instrument of data collection refers to the tool
used to elicit responses from respondents to meet the study's objectives and provide answers
to the research questions. For this study, qualitative techniques are used to elicit responses.
Hence, an interview guide will be used. The instruments will consist of an interview guide
that contains questions that cover the scope of the study and adequately fulfil the research
objectives.
3.7 Method of Data Analysis: Data analysis in this study will be determined by the nature of
the data collected for the study. Thus, analytical tools for qualitative data will be used in this
study. All notes, recordings, documents, and transcripts gathered during the interviews will
be printed, prepared and organized in a clear, precise and comprehensible manner. The data
collected will be reviewed, studied and explored diligently. The connecting variables that are
relevant to the social correlates of kidnapping will be highlighted; key words and phrases will
be made to stand out. The information gathered will be reviewed, revised and combined
meaningfully. Lastly, all information will be presented in a manner that they align
meaningfully and make for comprehensible reading by anybody who comes across this
research.
3.8 Ethical Consideration: Codes of ethics bind all researches to protect the study
population. In no way, the study would prove harmful, either physically, emotionally,
financially, or in terms of reputation.
Therefore, this study will observe ethical considerations such as voluntary participation and
informed consent for all respondents who will participate in the study. The researcher will
clarify that participants have a clear understanding of the purpose of the study, ensure that
42
respondents participate willingly (rather than being forced), and have the liberty to withdraw
from the process at any point where they no longer feel comfortable or interested. More
importantly, respondents' right to privacy, confidentiality, anonymity, and freedom will be
guaranteed, and they will be assured that the responses collected will be solely for research
purposes and nothing else.
3.9 Field Experience and Limitation of the Study: The field experience was educative,
with the respondents willing to give out information on the research topic without cash
inducement while they also seek redress to the challenge of kidnapping in their community as
they acknowledged and agreed with the researcher the need for intentional efforts in the fight
against kidnapping and eradicating it from our shared communities.
This study is limited in scope. It examines only the kidnapping situation in Alimosho Local
Government Area only, as against other red zones in Nigeria where it is in fact more
prevalent. The study limits itself to key informants in the Alimosho Local Government Area,
depriving itself of the opinion of everyday people.
43
CHAPTER FOUR:
DATA ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND PRESENTATIONS
4.0 Introduction
This chapter details and explains how the data collected through in-depth interview are
structured, organized and analyzed in order to attain the objective of this project which is
centered on understanding the social correlates that determine the propensity of kidnapping in
Alimosho Local government area. Testimonies of government agents are presented, educated
opinions of criminologists, sociologists, and legal practitioners are provided and analyzed, as
well as the personal experience of kidnap survivors.
4.1 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents
The socio-demographic characteristics of the respondent presented are age, gender, marital
status, educational background, nationality, place of residence, occupational background, and
area of employment. Table 4.1 presents the simple percentages and frequency distribution of
the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents interviewed during the course of this
project.
44
Demographic Variables
Frequency (10)
Percentage (%)
Male
8
80
Female
2
20
18-25
2
20
26-35
5
50
36-45
1
10
46-60
2
20
61 and above
0
0
Single
7
70
Married
2
20
Divorced
1
10
Lawyer
2
20
Criminologist
4
40
Accountant
1
10
Others
3
30
No formal education
0
0
Primary education
1
10
SSCE
3
30
ND/NCE
0
0
HND
0
0
B.SC
6
60
Employed
6
60
Unemployed
1
10
Self employed
3
30
Gender
Age
Marital Status
Occupational Background
Educational Qualification
Employment Status
Area of Employment
45
Rural Area
2
20
City
8
80
Total
10
100
Source: Field Survey, 2023.
Table 4.1 above shows the result of the frequency distribution of respondents’ socioeconomic
status and other related demographic characteristics. The table shows the frequency
distribution of the respondents by gender. This indicates that both genders were represented
with 8 (80%) people being male constituting the majority, while females 2 (20%) constituting
the minority. Hence, more males than females are represented in this study.
The table above also shows the age distribution of the respondents: 2 (20 %) of the
respondents are between age 18 and 25,
5 (50%) of the respondents are between 26 to 35
years, 1 (10%) of the respondents fall between 36-45 years, 2 (20%) represents the age
bracket of 46-60 years, and none of the persons interviewed falls above 60 years. This implies
that majority of the respondents fall within 26 and 35 years, and the minority bracket is 36-45
years where only one person was interviewed.
The marital status of respondents shows that: of all the relationship statuses, 7 (70%) which
constitutes the majority are single and have never been married, 2 (20%) of the respondents
are married, while just 1 (10%) person among the respondents is divorced. Therefore,
majority of the respondents are single people, while those that are divorced are the minority.
The table also shows the occupational background of the respondents: two (20%) of them are
lawyers, 4 (40%) are criminologists or law enforcement agents, 1 (10%) is an accountant, and
the remaining 3 (30%) are involved in other varying industries. This shows that majority of
the respondents are criminologists or law enforcement while the minority is an accountant.
The table further shows the result of the educational qualification of the respondents
interviewed during this project: 0 (0%) of the study respondents have no formal education, 1
(10%) have primary education, 3 (30%) have SSCE, 0 (0%) have ND/ NCE, 0 (0%) have
HND and 6 (60%) are B.Sc holders. This implies that majority of the respondents are B.Sc.
holders while just 1 of them stopped at primary education.
The result of the respondent’s employment status indicates thus: 6 (60%) of the respondents
are employed, 1 (10%) of the respondents are unemployed, 3 (30%) of the respondents are
46
self-employed. This suggests that majority of the respondents are employed while minority of
them are unemployed.
4.2 Results
In this section, data gathered during the interviews will be presented in respect to the
objectives of the study.
4.2.1 Objective 1: Causes of kidnapping/ Social correlates of kidnapping.
The causes of kidnapping are multidimensional, they are factors whose correlations,
interconnections and relationships contribute to create and sustain the problem of kidnapping
in Alimosho and by extension, Nigeria.
Ehinola Shina, Esq, a Legal Practitioner in Litigation and Corporate Practice, whose law firm
operates in Lagos and Abuja, has this to say on the causes of kidnapping:
“We have more cases of kidnapping today for several reasons.
One of them is survival reason: so many people are into this act
because they do not have alternatives, they do not have other
things they can do, the economy is not buoyant enough to fix everybody
up, to make everybody contribute to the labour economy. Once a person
is idle, every other thing becomes an appropriate choice for him or her.
And that's why it is said that an idle man is the devil’s workshop.
Because they do not have other engagements, they turn
to acts like kidnapping. When people don't have things
to do, people can easily influence them that if they join them
in the act, they’ll get this or that. They take it as an option
and that is one of the factors responsible for kidnapping.”
The legal practitioner from his experience in dealing with criminals highlighted survival
reasons as one factor that encourages kidnapping. Unemployment, job scarcity, are the direct
factors responsible for idleness, and idleness preempts criminality.
Olowa Kehinde, an Accountant, who survived a kidnapping case referring to the kidnappers
said:
“Well, it felt like business to them. It could go deeper than that.”
Adebayo John, a criminologist, supported this claim opining that:
Kidnapping is now very profitable. It is a profitable business.
This is the due to Nigeria’s failing economy. Somebody who has no
47
job and gets nothing in terms of wages, and a person comes to him to do a
particular thing and earn N500,000, and he did it the first time and
it was successful, and he gets N500,000 that he has never seen before
Or for a long time jumps into his account, he will be encouraged to do
more. Economic reasons is a main cause, that's why the national
assembly is trying to pass a bill against the payment of ransom,
to see to it that this economic purpose is actually defeated.”
Kidnapping is rising unabated because more people are beginning to see it as an escape from
poverty, which sadly currently holds more than 133 million Nigerians by the scruff of their
neck. The popular kidnapping kingpin, Chukwudubem Onwuamadike (Evans), in an
interview in 2016 confessed that he pays his boys upward of N2m for every successful
operation, and he at one point bagged $1 million dollars from the business, whooping sums of
money by all indications.
The legal practitioner, Ehinola Shina, highlighted another factor responsible for this
criminality, he stated that:
“Another factor responsible for kidnapping is political reason,
politicians empower some of these would be kidnappers to
engage in political violence, and once they are through with
the electioneering period, these mercenaries are forgotten.
This people who are dumped by politicians but have been
given the knowledge of crime and the tools to perpetuate it,
begin to work for themselves”
Electioneering periods in Nigeria are a time when thugs, miscreants, and street urchins are
tooled to foment electoral violence, at the culmination of this period, the thugs are returned to
the streets to fend for themselves. Some of these thugs haven been tooled with weapons turn
to more lucrative source of income, one of which is kidnapping.
4.2.2 Objective 2: Damages kidnapping cause the Nigerian government and its people.
Kidnapping is a menace that can have life altering effects on people and the society, it does
not only have financial implications, it can as well leave psychological, emotional, and
physical trauma that takes time to heal. Kenny O., a kidnap survivor while narrating his
experience stated that:
“There was sporadic shootings and everyone had to flee for
48
safety but unfortunately I was closer to them and didn't
have much time to escape as I was surrounded. My effort
went down the drain when I received a sword (double-edged)
blow to my head and I fell to the ground bleeding heavily through
the deep cut. Two of them joined the guy that gave me the
wound and attempted to stab me which I dodged but it ended
on my arm, giving me a long cut. They removed my cloth and
tied it on my neck to drag me like a cow and to prevent me
from escaping while I was bleeding out. I was beaten with the
side of the sword and taken into the Bush where I met about 5
more people who were kidnapped that morning.”
This harrowing experience as narrated by a survivor suggests the unpleasantness of
kidnapping, the trauma and the difficulties attached to coming out of the other side with one’s
sanity still intact. The psychological implications his summarized in the submission of
another kidnap victim, who pleaded anonymity:
“I literally had suicidal thoughts, fighting through the inhumane
treatment I received.”
Kenny O., narrating the financial implications of kidnapping and the trouble it can put ones
family and community stated that:
“Initially, I asked them the day I was kidnapped what they wanted
and they said money, so I told them I have about 40,000 naira in
my bank account, they all laughed and said they have that already.
So I asked how much they needed, they said 10 million naira.
The ransom was paid, but a negotiated amount. My family, distant
friends, relatives and even the LASU community contributed to my
release. It was a moment of sadness for me knowing the emotional
and financial trauma my situation threw people into.”
Victims of kidnapping are not only concerned about their experience, they also have to deal
with the embarrassment of knowing they had to be the reason their families run helter-skelter
for financial help from strangers, enduring the ignominy of publicly soliciting fund, while
having sleepless night unsure of the news that will greet the morning.
The government as well bear the brunt of kidnapping. Kidnappers go to any length to
apprehend their targets, including comprising government infrastructures. The Abuja-Kaduna
49
train attack was done with kidnapping intentions, the train was rained with bullets while the
rails were destroyed. The repair of the railings cost money, added to the international
embarrassment, and the international businesses that are discouraged from investing in
Nigeria are some of the underlying negative effects that kidnapping have on the Nigerian
government.
The former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, in a statement to pressmen
identified the logistical bottleneck crimes like kidnapping create, further stretching an already
stretched agency.
“The command has observed incidents of restlessness and impunity
by youths in some parts of the state. From our analysis, elders in
some of these areas engineer some of these youths to go on the
rampage. On the part of the police, we will intensify our efforts
to ensure that crimes are reduced to the minimum. In the quest
of doing that, we will place policemen at various observation
points in Lagos State.”
4.2.3 Objective 3: Problems associated to kidnapping, its effect on kidnapped victims,
and how best to rehabilitate them.
Justice is the first step on the road to rehabilitation. After securing the freedom of kidnap
survivors, it is pertinent that necessary steps are taken to bring the kidnappers to justice as
soon as possible.
Ehinola S., Legal practitioner, explained that:
“The national assembly should revisit the aspect of kidnapping
in our substantive law. This is what I mean: I am of the view
that the prescribed punishment should be made life imprisonment.
10 years is not enough for a crime of the magnitude of kidnapping.
The law is a means of social engineering, and when we look at the
society today, kidnapping is a big offense that happens everywhere.
When we have the strictest of punishment, it is possible that cases
of kidnapping will be greatly reduced.”
When kidnapped victims can be sure that there abusers will spend the rest of their lives
behind bars, they walk around with more freedom, they get over the experience quickly and
they can get on with their lives without having to look at their backs.
50
Kenny O., narrating his journey since the kidnap experience highlighted the importance of
family and the religious community in healing from the depressing effect of kidnapping:
“God comforted me, It felt like it never happened at some point,
though I usually feel the trauma whenever I get triggers such as
seeing a dark road. My thought process was shattered, sometimes
I try hard to think straight. 2 years still feels like it all happened
this morning. The only healing so far is the ability to ignore the
memory cos it never stops coming.”
For some survivors of kidnapping, the journey is a personal process that takes a long time,
sometimes a lifetime to travel.
The best approach to helping kidnap survivors begins with justice for them, a community of
support, access to professionals who can help their rehabilitation.
4.2.4 Objective 4: Actionable solutions that can help curb the kidnap issue.
The problem of kidnapping needs to be sorted. The menace cannot be allowed to thrive; the
safety of the citizenry, and the security of the nation is at stake when criminality is on
rampage. Bolaji Aina, a legal practitioner practicing in Lagos whose eagle eye-view of
society presents in-depth perception of the problem, how deep it is and how far the
community must dig to get the country out of it added:
“Kidnapping is one of the vices in society and there is no sane
society that encourages such acts. So we have several codes,
several acts in Nigerian laws, enunciated in order to curb
kidnapping. If you have a cursory look at the criminal code
acts that regulates the south and the penal code acts that
regulates the north, and even some states in Nigeria have
several anti-kidnapping laws, and all this codes are actually
to curb, stop and also to set examples to those who are
perpetrators of this act.”
Revising anti-kidnapping laws is an essential action in addressing the problem of kidnapping.
Kidnapping can be stopped when the punishment does not only serve as deterrent but a means
of preventing the arrested kidnappers from ever engaging in the crime again. The ten years
sentence as contained in the criminal code needs to be revisited and harsher punishments
proscribed. The 21 years sentence bagged by the billionaire kidnapper Evans, who according
to evidence committed multiple kidnappings across different states of the federation, should
be commuted to a life sentence. It will intensify the stance of the government on the problem
51
that kidnapping and kidnappers will not be handled with levity, as well as serve as deterrence
to prospective kidnappers who do not want their liberty jeopardized.
Timothy Joseph, a fresh sociology graduate, suggested three steps in tackling the problem of
kidnapping:
“The first suggestion is we should make survival easy. The average Nigerian
should ordinarily live above the level of survival, in surplus, if you like. The
Nigerian government should make effort to ensure that the average Nigerian
have access to a good job. In a nutshell, I will call it labour empowerment.
Nigerians are not lazy. I am placing so much emphasis on this because
I believe most of the people who are directly involved in this act,
the machinery of kidnapping, are young people between ages 20 and 40.
And it must be stated that the future of any nation is in the hands of this
age bracket, and if this age group do not invest their energy in the right
things but invest it in crime, the country is likely to become hopeless.
The younger generations coming up will lose every sense of direction
If crime is the road they must take. Instead of being passionate
about contributing to the civil service, science and
technology, engineering, positive culture, nation
building, and creating a better society, they'd instead focus their
energy on crimes like kidnapping. It is therefore imperative that
the Nigerian government ensure that there are profitable alternatives
to engage Nigerian youths who I believe are actually not lazy.
My second recommendation is that specialized courts for kidnapping
should be established, just like we have specialized departments in
the Nigerian police like the anti-kidnapping squad. The specialized
court will manage and specialize on the crime of kidnapping,
so that criminals can be prosecuted within three months after
their apprehension. And they can be sentenced to life
imprisonment once proven guilty. When perpetrators of kidnapping
begin to see this changed and urgent attitude of the government to
the crime, coupled with their own desire to not see their liberty
jeopardized, it will drastically reduce this menace, this ill that
has eaten so deep, that has made us to fear for our safety, to lose
sleep, and our collective fear of it will be mitigated.”
52
Security expert, Michael Ejiofor, highlighted the police/community relationship in the war
against kidnapping as an essential tool in the fight against crimes such as kidnapping. He
stated:
“The focus should not just be on the black spots. You expect
that the police will map out strategies to curtail crimes in every
part of the state (Lagos). The police can do more in terms of sustained
surveillance and patrols. Identified black spots should also be
closely monitored and the citizenry expected to feed the police
with credible information. The security agencies should also
advertise their lines in the media so that the public can reach
them as quickly as possible in cases of emergencies.”
4.2.5 Objective 5: Policies that can help educate and inform citizens on the evils of
kidnapping, and discourage them from engaging it.
Education plays an important role in creating awareness. It gives people a clear image of
society and where they stand in it. Educating the society at the macro and micro level is thus
pivotal. There are many Nigerians whose rights and liberty have been trampled upon without
their knowledge, it is therefore cogent to spell out the law, state it and explain it, until it is
clear and digestible to the commonest of men. The Nigerian Criminal Code Act provides for
the issue of kidnapping, an understanding of it will help Nigerians know when the crime has
been committed against them, and inform those who may engage in it without knowing that
they are doing so. Igniramce is not admissible in the court of law.
Section 364 of the Criminal Code Acts, Cap C - 38, says
“Any person who‐
(1) unlawfully imprisons any person, and takes him out of Nigeria
without his consent; or
(2) unlawfully imprisons any person within Nigeria in such a manner
as to prevent him from applying to a court for his release or from
discovering to any other person the place where he is imprisoned,
or in such a manner as to prevent any person entitled to have access
to him from discovering the place where he is imprisoned,
is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for ten years."
53
The law has a role to play in educating the citizenry, however, it falls also on the religious
community to play a pivotal role in ensuring that crime is cut prematurely. Nigeria is a very
religious country, many holding the two world religions in steadfast trust. The onus falls on
religious leaders to preach against the dangers of kidnapping to both victim and perpetrators
alike.
Kenny O. describing his abductors had this to say:
“I spent approximately 4 days with them with no food nor water, I
didn't see them eat either except for uncooked soy bean which i initially
thought was Kolanut. The kidnappers are Fulanis which I got to know
from one of the hostages who was an Hausa man.”
The nomadic Fulanis who have gradually become top dogs in the kidnapping business do not
favour the white man's education, in fact they loathe western education. However, through the
Islamic clerics that they hold in high esteem those with kidnapping tendencies can be reached
and discouraged from engaging in it.
4.3 Discussion of Findings based on Objectives
The purpose of every research is to address a social problem and proffer solutions. When the
need to write this project arose, it was in reaction to the widespread cases of kidnapping
across the country and the dangers it pose to the people and welfare of the country. The
problem is undoubtedly pressing yet it appeared like it is being handled negligently. This
issue stoked the interest of this researcher to map out five objectives, five central focuses of
the research, five important questions, five targets that it is expected to meet after the last
word had been written.
The objectives started with inquest into the factors that causes kidnapping: this objective is
important because it provides information on the origin of the problem and how it has
continued to stay relevant in our society since the first case was recorded. Secondly, the
objective touched the damages kidnapping causes kidnapped people; physical, mental and
financial, as well as the damages it does to society and the government. The third objective
further inquired into the estate of kidnap survivors, the aftereffect, the journey to healing and
rehabilitation. Fourthly, the objective concerned itself with steps, acts, and methods that can
be utilized to stop the menace of kidnapping. The fifth objective is focused on educating
communities and its people on the dangers of kidnapping, implementing policies that serve
has safeguards to the problem.
54
To discuss the findings of this research in respect to the objectives, highlights of key
contributions from the literature review and data gathered from the interviews will be
summarized. The causes of kidnapping according to the different literature reviewed are
poverty, unemployment, pressure from peer, economic stagnation, political and religious
factors, etc. This is buttressed by the erstwhile commissioner of police in Lagos, who faulted
popular figures in communities for encouraging crime in society by using them as tools for
their political undertakings. These youths who are poor and unemployed, are easily pressured
to engage in vices like kidnapping to improve their economic value in society.
The damages of kidnapping cuts across physical, emotional, financial strains, the trauma is
unimaginable, a respondent had this to say after the event of his harrowing experience: “I was
alive and my wound was filled with maggots the second day. They got dirty water to wash
some of it away. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital (after my release), took 27 drips and almost
30 injections because of my infection load. (Underwent) 2 Excruciating surgeries.” This puts
in clear perspective the damages kidnapping can cause an individual.
Thirdly, kidnapping costs its victims their lives, their liberty, their hard-earned money, their
mental health, etc. The rehabilitation of kidnap victims according to one of our respondent
starts with justice, a much more stringent and harsher punishment was advised, an extension
of the ten years sentence, as stated in the federation’s Criminal Code Acts, to life
incarceration will help them move on. A community of support around the survivors, therapy,
among other means were advised in the literature reviewed in Chapter two.
Actions and solutions are provided in this project to help curtail the kidnap menace. A
respondent suggested job creation for Nigerian teeming youths who he argued are not lazy.
The training of an efficient anti-kidnapping police squad, serious punishment for offenders,
etc, are among the solutions suggested from previous literature on the subject.
The fifth objective is about policies, education, communal efforts, roles of government and
non-governmental agencies in the fight against kidnapping. Government agencies interviewed
advised communities to be conscious of their environments and report every abnormalities.
Dialogue and rehabilitation is another method to speak sense to criminals and discourage
them from further compromising the society, political and economic reforms, the roles of
religious bodies, among other policies of the government will help put a stop to kidnapping in
the Nigerian society.
55
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1. Summary
The purpose of this study is to analyse the socioeconomic, sociocultural, as well as
sociopolitical factors responsible of the rising spate of kidnapping in Nigeria, specifically in
Alimosho Local Government area, and to make recommendations based on findings. The first
chapter of this academic paper is basically centered on the introductory elements, insight into
what subsequent chapters will unravel. The first chapter offers a background on the purpose
of the project, how it is intended to tackle the biting problem of kidnapping and reduce
drastically its effect on our society. Succinctly, the first chapter is a foundation upon which
subsequent chapters are built on.
The second chapter provides the review of related literature pertaining to kidnapping in
Nigeria. Specifically, the discussions in chapter two are squarely focused on existing
literature that are relevant to the aims and objectives of this paper. The academic insight of
scholars in sociology and psychology on the subject of kidnapping, its causes, its effects, and
suggestions on how to tackle it.
The third chapter contains the methods and procedures used in this paper. Explicitly
explaining how each concept is relevant to the subject being discussed, how data is gathered,
and the sociological models utilized to remove all confusions and make all discussions and
their intentions as plain as pikestaff. This is to provide a transparent account on how data is
acquired, and that the data used in each analysis are credible.
The fourth chapter is based on the presentation, interpretation, and analysis of all the data
acquired from the respondents who have a rich understanding of the purpose of this academic
paper. In this part of the study, direct quotations are used to convey the findings made in the
research process. With clear and purposeful considerations given to the objectivity of the
respondents to avoid facts being drawn from sentiments.
This last chapter contains the summary of this paper, conclusions drawn in the process of this
study, and recommendations for further studies based on the findings presented in the
preceding chapters.
56
5.2 Conclusions
Evidently, this study has attempted to establish that all forms of social correlates have their
effect on kidnapping in one way or another. An end to kidnapping in Nigeria and Alimosho
Local Government area must be an utmost concern of every citizen, this is one of the many
ways we can guarantee peace and prosperity in the nation. The society is a reflection of the
people living in it. Crime will continue unabated until as a society, efforts are made to
truncate the growth of criminality, and the factors that fuel crimes such as kidnapping are
addressed with urgency.
Nigeria is the largest country in Africa by population, as opportunities abound as a result of
this number, it is also a breeding ground for kidnappers and other criminals who are driven by
the desire to survive the harsh economic conditions. It is sad to note that despite the many
wealth of the nation across all six geopolitical zones, our population is unsustainable,
breeding criminals instead of being a strength. In the North, there are incidences of killings
almost every other day, citizens of Southern Kaduna live in constant fear for their lives.
Added to the terror are incidences of kidnappings on our highways, kidnappings that
command exorbitant ransom payment. People now feel the government is complicit, as it is
clear that kidnappers and terrorists have free rein in our societies.
Kidnapping is caused by an unstable economy, weak security apparatus, and debilitating
morality in the country. These issues are bane to the common man looking to earn a living
and build a respectable life in his locality. Surprisingly, the incidence of kidnapping continues
to increase yearly in every nook and cranny of the country despite it being a much publicized
problem. Begs the question, are the government financing kidnapping or they are looking to
end it?
People who have suffered from the inhumanity of kidnapping are likely to suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, or develop anxious-avoidant attachment. Unwilling to trust
strangers, hypersensitive to their environments, and disgust for their country. The
demography of kidnapping shows a general increase nationwide since 2021, travelers on the
highways have been targeted, business owners, expatriates, civil servants, students, and even
government officials have fallen victim to kidnapping. People whose families have been
kidnapped face the trauma of uncertainty, unsure of what could happen to their loved ones.
They face the indignity of soliciting for funds to raise ransom, at worst, they end up still
losing their loved ones to this criminals despite their best efforts. This creates a grim picture
57
of the country’s approach to stopping kidnapping, and provides little confidence in how
kidnapping is managed. However, with more papers like this written to draw attention to the
problem of kidnapping, and with intentional efforts made to solve the problem by individuals
and communities, kidnapping can become a problem of the past.
Based on the findings of this study, it is observed that kidnapping has eaten deep into the
fabric of our society. The study concludes that majority of kidnapping cases emanate from
areas neglected by the government in terms of development and infrastructure, people who
engage in it are faced with economic, political and socially created problems, which in
essence result in them finding it difficult to meet their basic needs such as feeding, clothing,
shelter, and commanding a quality life. The failure of the government to address these issues
pose great risks to the society; thence, factors that promote crime must be removed, criminals
must not be indulged, stringent measures must be taken to curtail a criminality like
kidnapping in the society.
5.3 Recommendations and Suggestions for Further Studies
Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that:
i. Individuals, society and the Nigerian government should take the fight against kidnapping
as a collective effort, as suggested by the security expert who was interviewed, people must
be vigilant and have direct contact with the police department of their locality.
ii. According to Ehinola Shina, Esq., the government should with alacrity create more job
opportunities and increase wages, get young people busy, and keep their minds off crime. It
is telling that people who do menial jobs in the western world enjoy a better quality of life
than most university graduates in Nigeria. Hence, it is important for government to
significantly increase the minimum wage while providing opportunities for employment.
iii. Joseph Timothy, a sociologist, advised the government to subsidize school fees, make
provisions for student loans, arrest rising inflation, etc. Education must be made available in
every part of the country and prioritized. This will drastically and tremendously curtail crime
rate in the country without exempting kidnapping.
iv. Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), as well as well-wishers,
important stakeholders in our communities, etc, should provide scholarship and welfare
packages to young Nigerians to support their educational pursuits and their life ambitions, a
move that will prevent them constituting deviance in the society.
58
v. People with criminal tendency or a history of crime are to be given special attention by
government agencies. Psychologists and criminologists should be on their toes in observing
the trend of crime and proffering immediate solutions to stem it.
vi. Criminals should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance to the law. No kidnapper is to
be let off irrespective of whoever speaks for them. A weak law enforcement system is a bane
to society, it encourages impunity and fosters crime.
5.3.1 Suggestions for Further Studies
Although a handful of researches have been done on the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria,
there is still need for further studies. Studies that will touch areas such as ignored localities
like Alimosho Local Government, spread across other Local Government in Lagos State, etc.
Researchers who may come across this work and are inspired to do something similar must
take into consideration the testimonies of kidnap survivors and the expert opinions of people
with firsthand knowledge of the make up of crime in Nigeria. The limitations of this project
did not allow for questionnaires or quantitative research methodology, other researchers
should consider this avenue in their own work.
59
5.4 REFERENCES
Yusuf K. I. and Abdullahi A. A. (2020): The Causes of Kidnapping and its Implications on
Nigeria. Liberal Arts and Social Sciences International Journal (LASSIJ) eISSN: 2664-8148
(Online) DOI: https://doi.org/10.47264/lassij.4.1.1 Vol. 4, No. 1, (January-June 2020): 1-9
Dare. O.O., Michael C. A., Chidozie B. O., Nwagbo S. (2019): Examining the Social
Problem of Kidnapping as a Reaction Against Injustice in Nigeria. Academic Journal of
Interdisciplinary Studies · July 2019
Bello I., Jamilu I. M. (2017): An Analysis of the Causes and Consequences of Kidnapping in
Nigeria. An International Multi-Disciplinary Journal, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia Afrrev Vol. 11 (4),
Serial No. 48, September, 2017:134-143
Segun A. O., Solomon T. B., Kehinde M.A. (2021): An Examination of the causes of
Kidnapping and its Attendant Challenges in Ogun State, Nigeria. Journal of Religion and
Human Relations, Volume 13 No. 1, 2021
Enobakhare, O. E., Omage, I. M., Anyamene, A. (2015): A Fresh Dimension of Kidnapping
In Nigeria: Evaluating The Etiologies of the Crime. (Journal on social sciences, pg 72-76).
Charles O. A., Onyemaechi C.I., Igwilo C. (2016): Psychology of Kidnapping. Practicum
Psychologia 6, 104-120 ©The Author(s) 2016.
Chukwuemeka A. F., Chiamaka O. J., Bernard C. C. (2016): Rational Choice Theory of
Crime: Punishment Implications for Kidnapping In Nigeria.
Jumare M.H., Ango A., Maryam A., Suleiman I.O. (2019): Experiences and Counseling
Information on Kidnapping: The Roles of Librarians and Counselors in a Qualitative Case
Study of Kidnapped Victims’ Students of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria. Global
Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Vol.7, No. 2, pp.21-27, February 2019
Ameh O. S.(2020): International Journal of Scientific Research and Reviews Kidnapping in
Nigeria: Dimensions, Causes And Consequences.
Ngwama, J.C. (2014): Kidnapping in Nigeria: an Emerging Social Crime and the
Implications for the Labour Market. International Journal of humanities and social sciences. 4.
(1).133-145
Janet C. (2001): Parental Abduction: A Review of the Literature. (U.S. Department of Justice.
Office of Justice Programs).
60
Nnam M. U., Otu M. S. (2015): Predictors and Incidence of Kidnapping in Contemporary
Nigeria: A Socio-Criminological Analysis. . International Journal of Development and
Management Review, 9(1), 62–75.
Gabriel O. O., Olugbenga S. O. (2021): The Perception and Measures Towards Curbing
Kidnapping in Ondo State, Nigeria.
Kaylor, L. (2015). Psychological Impact of Human Trafficking and Sex Slavery Worldwide:
Empowerment and Intervention. John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, Ny. Ncrb
(2014).
Kidnapping and Abduction Of Persons. Chapter-23. Orset, C. (2008). A Theory of Child
Protection against Kidnapping. Centre Interuniversitaire Sur Le Risque, Les Politiques
Economiques Et l‘Emploi (Cirpee).
Shuaibu, S. S., Salleh, M. A., & Shehu, A. Y. (2015). The Impact of Boko Haram Insurgency
on Nigerian National Security. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and
Social Sciences. 5 (6). 254-266.
Abdulkabir, O. S. (2017). Causes and Incisive Solutions to the Widespread Of Kidnapping In
Nigeria Current Administration. : Under Scholastic Scrutiny. J Pol Sci Pub Aff , 5: 258.
doi:10.4172/2332-0761.1000258
Ene, W. R. (2018): Kidnapping and the Nigerian Society: A Sociological Insight.
Okoli, A. C., Agada, F. (2014): Kidnapping and National Security in Nigeria.
Abdulkabir, O.S. (2017): Causes and Incisive Solutions to the Widespread of Kidnapping in
Nigeria Current Administration: Under Scholastic Scrutiny, Journal Of Political Science and
Public Affairs 5:258.
Abraham, U. E (2010): The Social Problem of Kidnapping and its Implication on the SocioEconomic Development: A Case Study of Uyo Metropolis. A Masters Degree Thesis,
Department of Sociology and anthropology, University of Uyo, Nigeria
Adebayo, S., Adeyemi, K., Adetayo, O. (2009). Security: Nigeria, a Nation Still in the Woods
at 49.
Akpan, N. (2010). Kidnapping in Nigeria's Niger Delta: An Exploratory Study. Journal of
Social Sciences, 24(1).
61
Akpan N.S. And Akpabio, E.M. (2009). Oil and Conflicts in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria:
Facing the Facts. An exploratory study. Journal of Social Sciences, 24(1), 33-42.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09718923.2010.11892834
Okoli, A. C., & Agada, F. (2014). Kidnapping and national security in Nigeria. Research on
Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(6), 137-146. Parsons, T. (1985). Talcott Parsons on
institutions and social evolution: selected writings. University of Chicago Press.
Samuel., D. O. (2019). Organized crime, kidnapping and Nigerian national security. The
International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention, 6(6), 5472-5475.
https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsshi/v6i6.01
Soyombo, O. (2016). Achieving community security and safety in Nigeria through
community
policing.
In
Touching
Lives
Through
Psychology.
https://ir.unilag.edu.ng/handle/123456789/5354
Adewale, K.(2009) The Bad Business Called Kidnapping in Mongabay.
Okobia, N. F. (2017). Religion: a Vital Element for Curbing the Menace of Kidnapping in
Nigeria for Human Development.
Ralph, J. M. (2008). Kidnap, Ransom and Extortion, Protecting your People and your Bottom
Line, Second Quarter Family Business, Rothstein Kass.
Zannomi, I. E. Understanding and Managing the Threat of Kidnapping.
Akanbi M. (2010): Youth Unemployment in Nigeria, Causes, Consequences and Remedies.
Akpan N.S. and Akpabio, E.M. (2009). Oil and conflicts in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria:
Facing the Facts.Journal of Social Development in Africa 24(1): 9- 35
Akpan, N. S, and Akpabio Em (2003). Youth Restiveness and Violence in the Niger Delta
Region of Nigeria: Implications and Suggested Solutions.
Ishaya I. (2010): The Journey into the Arms of the Gangster.
B. C. Diara (2010): Kidnapping for Ransom as a Revolutionary Effect of Capitalism in Africa.
Abati, R. (2009): Ransom Kidnapping, Hostage Taking and a Bewildered Nigeria. Retrieved
May 9 2012 from
http://www.
nigeria
village
square.com/articles/reubenabati/ransomkidnapping-
hostagetaking-andabewildered-nigeria.html
62
Ani, K.J. (2010): National Insecurity in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges for Human Capital
Development. A Paper Presented at the Annual Lit Conference Organized by The Lit
Organization: Ladies of the Ivory Tower held at Enugu State University of Science and
Technology, Enugu from 11th- 15th October, 2010.
63
5.5 Appendices
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH QUESTIONS
My name is Tijani, Yusuf Itopa, a 400 level student of the Department of Sociology, Faculty
of Social Sciences, Lagos State University. The questions below are drawn out to get your
educated opinion on the issue of kidnapping in Alimosho Local Government area. Thank you
for participating.
Interview guide for KIDNAP VICTIMS
1. Can we meet you, Sir/Ma?
2. When did the unfortunate kidnap incidence happen and at where?
3. Can you relive the moment briefly with us?
4. How was your release secured?
5. What can you say was the major reason this people engage in kidnapping from your
experience with them?
6. What has life been like since your release?
Interview guide for CRIMINOLOGISTS
1. Please introduce yourself, Sir/Ma?
2. Why do people engage in kidnapping in Nigeria?
3. Why is the kidnapping business a somewhat successful trade in Nigeria?
4. What goes through the mind of a kidnapper during the whole process?
5. What advise will you suggest to the Nigerian government in the fight against
kidnapping?
Interview guide for LAWYERS
1. Can we meet you, Sir/Ma?
2. Why do people engage in kidnapping in Nigeria?
3. What is the position of the law on kidnapping?
4. Which goes through the mind of kidnappers when they commit the crime?
64
5. What advise will you suggest to the Nigerian government in the fight against
kidnapping?
Interview guide for NIGERIAN POLICE
1. Please introduce yourself, sir?
2. What are the efforts of the Nigerian police in fighting kidnapping?
3. How often are cases of kidnapping reported in Alimosho?
4. What are the process of solving an ongoing kidnap case?
5. What is the role of the community in fighting kidnapping?
Interview guide for SOCIOLOGISTS
1. Please introduce yourself, Sir?
2. Why do people engage in kidnapping in Nigeria?
3. Why is the kidnapping business a somewhat successful trade in Nigeria?
4. What goes through the mind of a kidnapper during the whole process?
5. What advise will you suggest to the Nigerian government in the fight against
kidnapping?
65