Kidnapping activity has cut across regions in Nigeria. The rate is high in both Kaduna and Katsina states because of banditry activities. Kidnapping for ransom has generally become a potential source of revenue for the criminals. Therefore, the incident rate will likely witness an uptick if the necessary actions against the criminals are not taken.

Some new cases occurred recently in the south-west states despite the presence of the newly created Amotekun, a regional security outfit charged to protect the region against kidnapping and similar crimes. Government forces’ failure to arrest the situation has led to freedom fighters in Oyo state, defiling government orders to move against Fulani communities perceived to be harbouring the kidnapers in Iganga, Ibarapa LGA.

The Fulanis were summarily evicted in the community. The success of the anti-Fulani campaign will likely continue in the State and spread to other states of the region in a short while as Governor Akeredolu’s 7-day vacation notice to Fulanis in Ondo would expire soon. This could spark a serious tribal crisis as Fulani could be pushed to put up resistance to protect their businesses and properties across the region.  

Series of incidents 

In the week Eons intelligence recorded several security incidents across the nation some of which include: 

The Abduction of a village head by bandits during an attack on  Raddah community in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State. 

Abduction of an unspecified number of travellers by gunmen at Omo-Ijesha in the Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.

The killing of a security guard by unknown gunmen on Benin-Auchi road. 

Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents attacked a police checkpoint in Borno, killed an officer and stole trucks. 

A militant’s attack on a shipping facility in Akwa Ibom  where the criminals made demands of N20 million

Bandits attack on Bingi and Nachuche villages in Zamfara during which the criminals killed 13 and kidnapped 11 residents. and the killing of JF London, the PTF Commander in Zamfara state by bandits

_{Commuters stranded in Tunkushe while BOKO Haram attack police checkpoint on in Borno.}

Effects on movements. 

As it stands presently, Insecurity across Nigeria has affected not only the people but also, movements of goods and services. The effects of insecurity on farm activities contribute to the continued increase in the price of farm produce. Attacks by bandits and other terror groups in the North – East, North-West and North-Central zones has increased, and it will likely persist. Local communities and major roads such as Abuja-Kaduna, highway are being constantly targeted. This, of course, remains a security threat to people transiting in the area. Kidnapping attacks on travellers in Osun as recorded by Eons intelligence in the week remain fresh and there was a suggestion that quick actions against reoccurrence will allay the fear of commuters in the area.

Actions required by the government.  

If the government continue to fail to address the root causes of insecurity such as high levels of poverty, unemployment, poor governance, crimes will persist, and the rates shall continue to increase. All identified drivers of insecurity need to be appropriately addressed. The capacity of the government security forces should be consciously upgraded, and efforts need to be made to increase intelligence-driven security campaigns against the terror groups.

Follow us on Twitter and get the most exclusive of news as it breaks