Kidnapping has become one of the most painful security challenges facing Nigeria today. Each time a victim is taken, families are thrown into fear, confusion, and desperation.
In such moments, emotions naturally take over, and many people support any action that may bring the victim home safely.
I understand that feeling.
When I first watched a recent video of a kidnapped victim in terrible condition, I was deeply moved. Emotionally, I supported any method that could secure his release.
But after careful reflection, I began to think differently.
The truth is that when dealing with kidnapping, emotions alone cannot guide our decisions. We must focus on practical and long-term solutions that will protect both present and future victims.
If there are no strong and well-planned rescue strategies in place, paying ransom should not be accepted as the answer.
When ransom is paid and the victim is released alive, kidnappers become richer and stronger. That money can be used to buy more weapons, expand their operations, and plan more kidnappings.
The victim may return home, but the larger problem remains unresolved. The cycle simply continues.
Even worse, there are cases where ransom is paid and the victim is still killed, while the criminals escape with the money. In such cases, crime is rewarded, innocent lives are lost, and insecurity deepens.
This is why ransom payment cannot be seen as a lasting solution to kidnapping in Nigeria for now.
If our security agencies are unable to develop effective rescue systems, intelligence operations, and preventive strategies, then Citizens keep raising millions or billions in ransom only reflects weakness in our response to crime.
Nigeria must invest more in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, border control, community policing, and rapid-response rescue operations.
Until our security architecture becomes stronger and more effective, we must continue to question why ransom payments are still treated as a normal option.
Paying ransom may solve one case temporarily, but it often strengthens the system of kidnapping itself.
Nigeria deserves better solutions.
Thank you.
Yohanna Sunday Atiku
Criminologist and Security Expert.
22 April 2026.
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