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The National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser, Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (retd) has said kidnapping and crimes associated with it have had had negative impact on the citizens.
Musa said kidnapped for ransom had become a means for terrorist organisations to fund their activities.
According to him, the scourge has affected all aspects of life and impacted socio-economic activities in many parts of the country.
He spoke during the Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency fusion cell communication workshop in Abuja on Wednesday.
Musa said, ”There is no doubt that the menace of kidnapping and other associated crimes have impacted negatively on the populace with implications for socio-economic activities. These include the loss of lives of some victims, financial loss through payment of ransom, forceful closure of businesses; forceful closure of schools; and restrictions in farming activities amongst others.
“Kidnapping for ransom is also identified as one of the means of funding terrorism. Thus, carnage unleashed by kidnappers and in affiliation with terrorist groups all over the world leading to loss and disruption of lives and properties is a major concern, hence the need for collective efforts in advancing measures to check the threat.”
In his remarks, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said kidnappings in the country have been evolving over the years, noting that there was a need to study the trends.
Adejobi said, “Kidnapping has dimensions. A dimension came, it was Kidnapping for ransom. Another came, the victims were kidnapped, ransom negotiated and then the victims were killed. Then there is a dimension whereby a victim is kidnapped, his abductors collect ransom then go ahead to kill the victim and still negotiate before the corpse is released. Are we looking into these dimensions?” (Blueprint)
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