By Matthew Ma
“It is pretty alarming and shameful to hear that a group of abductors has managed to invade the capital city of a nation without facing any resistance. Such a situation not only puts the safety and security of the citizens at risk but also raises serious questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies and the government’s ability to protect its people. It’s a matter of great concern and calls for immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of the residents.”
Those who have not experienced kidnapping cannot comprehend how traumatic and devastating it can be on the life of an individual. It will be hard for them to grasp or understand the gravity of a city being held hostage by kidnappers. However, for those who have gone through such an ordeal, the gravity of being held hostage by kidnappers is a nightmare. The fear and anxiety that they feel is overwhelming, as they never know who might be next. The constant threat of being taken away from their loved ones and held captive for ransom is a traumatic experience that can leave a lasting impact on the victims and their families. The psychological and emotional toll of such an event can be devastating and requires specialized care to help survivors overcome their trauma. The saying that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom has been a famous aphorism throughout history. People from different cultures and backgrounds have interpreted this statement in various ways. Some believe that it implies that having a fear of God is the foundation of knowledge and understanding. This interpretation suggests that recognizing a higher power can lead to a better understanding of life and the universe. Others interpret it to mean that having a sense of awe and respect for a higher power can inspire one to seek knowledge and wisdom. However, despite the positive interpretations of this proverb, some people have also misinterpreted it. For instance, some Nigerians have used it to mean that the fear of kidnappers is the beginning of wisdom. This interpretation is a stark contrast to the original meaning and highlights how proverbs can be taken out of context and used to justify certain beliefs or actions. Overall, the sense of this proverb is subjective and can vary depending on the individual’s beliefs and experiences.
Recent reports suggest that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which houses the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja, is currently in the midst of a grave crisis. The FCT, which was once known for its peaceful and secure environment, is now plagued by a growing sense of fear and unease among its residents. This situation has arisen due to the alarming surge in kidnappings within the city, which has become a matter of great concern for everyone. The kidnappings have been reported across various areas of Abuja, including residential and commercial areas, and the problem shows no signs of abating. The kidnappings are not limited to any particular group of people and have affected locals and foreigners alike. The kidnappers use sophisticated techniques, such as tracking their victims’ movements and trailing them before abducting them, to carry out their heinous crimes. The victims are usually taken to unknown locations, where they are held captive until a ransom is paid. The situation has caused a lot of anxiety and distress among residents and visitors, who are now wary of moving around the city, particularly at night. The local authorities are taking the matter seriously and are working tirelessly to address the issue and restore calm to the city. They have mobilized themselves in the affected areas and have intensified surveillance. They are also collaborating with relevant stakeholders and neighboring regions to tackle the problem holistically. Despite their efforts, the situation remains a cause for concern among residents and visitors alike. The question now is, how safe in the center of unity?
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria has always been known for its relative tranquility and security. However, in recent times, the city has been gripped by growing cases of kidnappings as it continues to surge. Last November, my uncle was kidnapped in the heart of the city. He told me how his wife and children ran around to secure his release. The kidnappers demanded a huge ransom, but after some negotiations, part of the ransom was eventually given. He was released after one week of captivity. Barely six days into the new year, seven persons, all members of the same family, were abducted by gunmen around Zuma 1 in the Bwari Area Council. During the incident, one person, simply identified as Alhaji, was shot dead while two policemen sustained injuries during a gun battle with the kidnappers. The deceased, said to be a relative of the abducted family members, was informed of the incident and rushed to rescue them but was killed by the gunmen. On the night of 7 January, some armed men invaded Sagwari Layout Estate in Dutse, also in Bwari Area Council, and abducted nine persons, including a mother and her four children. The kidnappers, reportedly dressed in military uniform, proceeded to a nearby hotel and kidnapped a receptionist and a barman on duty. A security guard, who was also a victim but was lucky to escape, narrated his ordeal to Punch newspaper. A witness, Wilfred Akikayo, told the newspaper that the gunmen, who were bearing sophisticated weapons, broke the entrance of the estate back fence and exited through the top of a mountain close by.
In the last three years, Abuja has recorded close to 50 kidnap cases involving over 200 persons. From January 2021 to June 2023, there were about 40 documented cases affecting a staggering 236 victims. Between October and December 2023, there were 13 recorded kidnapped incidents and 80 victims. In a chilling repetition of an alarming trend, the abduction of over 23 residents in Dei-Dei town, situated off the Kubwa-Zuba Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reignited concerns about the escalating wave of mass kidnappings in Abuja. This unfortunate incident unfolded in three housing estates, bringing to the fore the disturbing reality that kidnappings, often orchestrated by people donning military uniforms, persist despite official denials from the police. The details of this incident, reported with vivid clarity, underscore the urgency of addressing the pervasive insecurity that has gripped the nation’s capital. During the same period, a similar incident took place at the nearby Arab Road residential area in Kubwa town, also along the highway, where kidnappers abducted seven residents believed to be sharing the same base in the bush with the Dei-Dei operators. Recently, at least 85 persons, including travelers and residents, were said to have been abducted by terrorists in Katari along the Kaduna-Abuja highway near Katari in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. It is understood that the criminals killed more than four residents. The breakdown of those abducted by the bloodthirsty terrorists indicated that between January 7, 2024, a total of 85 persons were seized. Just days after that, 22 people were abducted from Kawu village in Bwari Area Council.
On January 13, a young lady identified as Najeebah Al-Kadriyar, who was kidnapped alongside her five sisters and her father in Abuja, was reportedly killed by her abductors. Journalists reported that the victims were abducted on January 2, 2024, in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. The bandits later freed the father to go and look for the ransom to secure the release of his children. His brother, Alhaji Abdulfatai, who led police to foil their abduction, was shot dead by the bandits. The family was ordered to pay a ransom of N60 million – 10 million for each girl as ransom before January 12. However, they were unable to raise the money, and the assailants reportedly killed the oldest of the six girls, Najeebah, and dumped her body somewhere for her parents to bury. Several Nigerians took to social media to mourn the death of the deceased. Former Minister for Communication and Digital Economy Issa Ali Pantami confirmed the news of Najeebah’s killing. He said he had spoken with the father of Najeebah over the remaining kidnapped girls. Earlier, Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, called on the police to take necessary actions on the matter. Reacting to the development, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, says the police have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victims.
Data from reliable sources reveal a disturbing pattern. The Kuje Area Council, in particular, has earned notoriety as a hotspot for kidnappings. The Nextier Violent Conflict Database documented a surge in kidnapping incidents, with two recorded in May 2023 and three in June 2023. The statistics underscore the urgency of addressing this menace as part of broader security reforms. From January 2021 to June 30th, 2023, 40 kidnap cases were recorded in FCT Abuja, with a staggering 236 victims. These incidents translate not only into human tragedies but also substantial economic losses, with alleged ransom payments amounting to ₦653.7 million between 2021 and 2022. A 2020 report by SB Morgen further revealed that Abuja ranked 11th among places with rampant abductions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and sustained efforts to curb this menace. This situation has raised the question of whether the center of unity can no longer hold. Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, is not only the political nerve center of the country but also houses the headquarters of various security agencies, including military and para-military organizations. Yet, the city is traditionally regarded as a haven for kidnapping and other criminal activities, even with the high concentration of security personnel in the city center and its surrounding areas. The security situation in Abuja seems to have grown from bad to worse as there is a high number of kidnappings, robberies, and attacks by ‘one-chance’ operators. These incidents have caused great concern amongst both residents and authorities and have led to calls for better security measures and vigilance by all concerned parties. The surge in ransom kidnappings in Abuja has plunged its populace into a profound sense of fear and instability. This troubling trend, observed across various regions of the Federal Capital Territory, including Bwari, Abuja Municipal Area Council, and Abaji, underscores the broader security predicament gripping Nigeria, amplifying concerns about the severity of similar incidents in other states.
Several factors have contributed to the deteriorating circumstances in Abuja. One of the primary reasons is that the capital city and several of the most violent states in Nigeria, located in the northwest and central regions of the country, are adjacent to one another. Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Niger are states with a history of conflicts between farmers and pastoralists, as well as militia attacks. According to data from the Nextier Violent Conflict Database, the northcentral region alone experienced 402 violent incidents between January 2021 and May 2022, resulting in 1,981 fatalities and 962 kidnappings. Numerous other parts of the country also face different security challenges. As a result of these security concerns, residents are often compelled to flee violent situations, especially in rural areas.
The issue of kidnapping in Abuja is intertwined with systemic problems such as weak security structures. Kidnappers often operate with impunity, taking advantage of the fragile security structures and lack of proper law enforcement policy in Nigeria.
Rev. Ma, S.J, is a Jesuit Catholic priest and PhD candidate in public and social policy at St. Louis University in the state of Missouri, USA.
