In a proactive move to enhance national security, the Federal Government has introduced a toll-free 112 emergency number for Nigerians to report kidnappings and other security threats.
This initiative was announced by Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), during a press briefing in Abuja.
The development underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety and tackling the rising cases of kidnapping-for-ransom across the country.
Laka urged Nigerians to utilize the 112 emergency number to report suspicious activities, emphasizing that public cooperation is crucial in addressing security challenges.
Despite a 16.3% decline in kidnapping-for-ransom incidents between 2023 and 2024, the number of victims has slightly increased by 0.27%, according to Laka.
He identified Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara as the states with the highest kidnapping rates, accounting for 13.8% of all incidents and 61.1% of total victims nationwide.
“Trends in 2024 showed that kidnappings occurred in both rural and urban areas, targeting villages, schools, highways, and residential areas,” he stated.
Moreover, he highlighted the devastating impact of mass abductions on agrarian communities, which has led to food shortages and rising prices.
While the government continues to implement security measures, ransom payments have remained a major factor fueling the crime.
Criminals exploit families’ fears to demand huge sums, further encouraging the cycle of kidnappings.
“Despite efforts to curb the menace, mass abductions persisted, leading to deserted agrarian communities, disruptions in food production, and rising food prices,” Laka added.
The new emergency response system aims to disrupt these criminal activities by ensuring that victims and concerned citizens can quickly alert security agencies.
The launch of this toll-free line is a significant step towards improving national security and restoring public confidence.
With sustained commitment from both authorities and citizens, Nigeria can make substantial progress in combating kidnapping and other security threats.
The government has assured that additional measures will be taken to address the root causes of insecurity, making the country safer for all.
