In Nigeria, kidnapping has increased in both frequency and scope within the last few years. The ex-militants in the Niger Delta initially used kidnapping of expatriate oil workers as a strategy for pressing home their demands from the authorities. With time, the payment of ransom was introduced and the commercial nature of kidnapping was discovered by criminals. Today, the typical victim profile has shifted from expatriate oil workers to wealthy locals.
In its report on kidnapping in Nigeria for the period of January to June 2012, ASI Global Response, a leading response consultant in the field of kidnap for ransom, extortion and hostage-taking, out of the reported kidnappings that occurred in Nigeria, 50 per cent of the victims were businessmen, businesswomen or their family members. "The second most targeted group in 2012 has been local rulers, politicians or their family members, at 24 per cent of reported cases. Doctors and priests/pastors have accounted for nine and four per cent of victims, respectively. Most abductions (43 per cent) occur while the victims are travelling on roads, although they often take place at victims' homes (29 per cent) or their places of work (18 per cent). The average initial ransom demand in 2012 has been US$490,000 with settlements averaging US$50,000. It should be noted, however, that ransom figures are rarely reported and these averages may be on the low side due to lack of data," states the report.
The report adds that kidnapping has increasingly targeted Nigerians instead of foreign oil workers. "That does not, however, mean that foreigners are no longer at risk. At least 140 foreigners have been kidnapped in Nigeria since 2009, but the phenomenon is clearly on the decline, as only 13 foreigners have reportedly been kidnapped in Nigeria this year: two Americans, two Russians, a German, an Italian, a Spaniard, an Emirati, an Indian, a Filipino and three Lebanese. The main reason for this is that multi-national companies operating in Nigeria are not employing as many expatriate workers and those that do, have drastically improved their security measures to protect their personnel from the threat of kidnapping," It adds.
Speaking on kidnapping and staff morale at the recent HR Guide 2012 Summit held in Lagos, the Regional Vice President, Africa, American Society for Industrial Security, Mr. Dennis Amachree, stated that of the top 10 countries with high kidnapping records in 2007, Nigeria occupied the 6th position but has moved up to the third position behind Mexico and Columbia since 2007. He attributed the increase in the criminal business to its 'low risk and high yield nature'.
The African Insurance Organisation recently reported that Nigeria accounts for 25 per cent of kidnap-for-ransom cases reported worldwide within the last one year. The Insurance Institute of Mauritius, which hosted the AIO's 18th African Reinsurance Forum, disclosed this in its newsletter on kidnap and ransom insurance cover during the forum held in October 2012. The association stated that Nigeria had been designated as the global capital for kidnap-for-ransom due to the huge record of kidnap cases reported in the country yearly.
Apart from being a deterrent to potential investors in Nigeria's economy, kidnapping has negatively impacted on night life and tourism. A number of companies have closed shops for fear of having their personnel kidnapped and this implies loss of jobs. According to an executive of the National Employers' Consultative Assembly, Mr. Timothy Olawale, most companies now have an additional challenge of introducing risk allowances into their welfare policies, especially when they are located in areas with high number of occurrences.
In cases where kidnapping has already taken place, he advised relatives of victims not to panic since kidnapping is merely a game. He equally advised against negotiating with kidnappers over a relation who is a victim as emotions could be betrayed in the process. Non-related third parties should be employed to do the negotiation. Also, the State Security Service should be invited at the point of monetary exchange to rescue the victim.
Considering the impact of this crime on the image and economy of Nigeria, it is necessary for the nation's security agencies to liaise with telecommunications companies and adopt a deliberate collaborative measure to check the menace. The Federal Government's allocation of huge security budgets for 2012 and 2013 is quite commendable and should accommodate intelligence training in this direction.
Albinus Chiedu
29, Adeniyi Jones Avenue
Ikeja, Lagos