The Federal Government has raised the alarm over the transformation of kidnapping from a mere opportunistic crime into a major source of funding for criminal and terrorist networks operating across Nigeria.
This was disclosed on Wednesday in Abuja by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, during a stakeholders’ workshop of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell.
Laka revealed that proceeds from ransom payments have enabled terrorist groups to acquire weapons, finance operations, and in some cases, assert control over territories.
He said, “As we are all aware, Nigeria continues to grapple with a broad spectrum of security challenges driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist violence, and farmers-herders’ clashes.
“A common trend across these threats is the pervasive use of kidnapping. What was once an opportunistic crime has become a persistent and destabilising enterprise, enabling these groups to procure logistics, perpetuate terror, and, in some cases, exert territorial control.”
Laka noted that the growing local and international concern over the surge in kidnapping cases led to strategic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, resulting in the establishment of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell.
“The Cell, officially commissioned by the National Security Adviser on 19 December 2024, coordinates counterterrorism and anti-kidnap operations nationwide while supporting Nigeria’s ambition to become a regional centre of excellence in counterterrorism in West Africa and the Sahel,” he said.
He disclosed that since its inception, the Cell has successfully coordinated joint efforts by the Armed Forces, intelligence services, and law enforcement agencies to foil kidnapping plots and rescue victims.
“Analysts within the Cell have generated actionable intelligence leading to the rescue of hostages and the disruption of kidnapping syndicates across the country,” he said.
To enhance synergy between federal and state security responses, Laka said the NCTC carried out a state expansion programme in July 2025, targeting Anti-Kidnap Commanders from the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services across all 36 states and the FCT.
However, he stressed the need to broaden stakeholder participation by integrating media organisations, telecoms operators, and social media platforms into the anti-kidnap strategy.
He called on workshop participants to “propose practical solutions to support national efforts in rescuing victims, dismantling kidnapping networks, and safeguarding communities,” urging continuous liaison with the Fusion Cell.
UK Pledges Continued Support
Speaking at the event, the Acting High Commissioner of the British High Commission, Gill Lever, praised the achievements of the NCTC’s Kidnap Fusion Cell and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping initiatives.
Also present, Head of the UK’s National Crime Agency, Chris Gibson, emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration.
“Anti-kidnapping is a responsibility of every citizen,” he stated, calling on Nigerians to rally behind government efforts.
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