Bandits invaded Buda Hausa community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, abducting 61 people, it was reported Tuesday. On Thursday, March 8, 287 primary and secondary school children were abducted in an attack by bandits in Kuriga community in Chikun LGA of the state.
Also, 16 residents of Anguwan Auta community in Gonin Gora, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis, were said to be taken captive when bandits attacked the community about two weeks ago.
The bandits were said to have demanded for a ransom of N40 trillion, 11 Hilux vans and 150 motorcycles for the release of the abducted persons.
Apparently flustered by the volume and impunity of the occurrences, President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his resolve that no ransom payments will be made by the Federal Government to criminal elements for the release of abducted persons going forward. President Tinubu has charged the nation’s security agencies that they must ensure the safe return of all kidnap victims.
Between the period of July 2021 and June 2022, no fewer than 3,420 people were abducted across Nigeria, with 564 others killed in violence associated with abductions, according to a report by SBM Intelligence.
The report, titled ‘The Economic of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry,’ noted that in the same period, N6.5 billion was demanded in exchange for the release of captives while a fraction of that sum (N653.7m) was paid as ransom.
The Federal Government says the United States and some other foreign countries have offered to assist Nigeria in combating kidnappings and other high-profile crimes. Government says it is reviewing these offers and will make its position known in due course.
Security experts have said over time that there are new age technology applications that can within a short space of time, significantly ease much of Nigeria’s security challenges and the cost to life, limb, peace, the economy and our image as a nation.
They add that the cost of these said applications are not particularly exorbitant.
They include Close Circuit TV, drones, satellite imaging and others, which are able to deliver critical intelligence and striking capacity, day and night and in remote location, such that security forces are able to appraise the enemy’s numbers, location, equipment and plans and rout them before they can cause havoc.
Drones can provide real-time footage and data from a unique perspective, allowing commanders to assess threats and make informed decisions. A VTOL UAV can scout locations and perform reconnaissance to answer military questions, provide strategic intelligence for pre-emptive strikes and avert surprise and costly onslaughts by the enemy.
It is said that the Nigerian security forces have some of these equipment but the seeming free rein of the criminals by whatever name they are called indicate that there is a lapse somewhere. Perhaps, we do not have sufficient inventory, expertise or other required logistics for effective containment of the security challenges before us.
If that be the case, it might then be advisable to seek help from trusted partners, or to accept the support on offer from our foreign acquaintances.
