Nextier Advocates Intelligence-Led Tactics Against Kidnapping

Nextier researchers, Dr Chibuike Njoku and Dr Ndu Nwokolo, have advised the Nigerian government to implement a coordinated, intelligence-led strategy to address kidnapping in North-West Nigeria. Their analysis, titled “Value Chain of Kidnapping in N’West Nigeria: Understanding How the Negotiation Works,” highlights that conventional methods focusing on apprehending abductors are insufficient.

Between January and July 2026, there were 3,407 abductions across Nigeria, with North-West Nigeria accounting for 1,287 victims in 496 incidents. Zamfara recorded the highest incidents with 196 cases involving 563 victims, followed by Sokoto with 115 incidents and 411 victims.

The report suggests a shift from incident-based responses to disrupting the entire kidnapping value chain, including ransom negotiations and financial flows. Recommendations include establishing a National Kidnapping-Network Intelligence Framework for intelligence sharing among security agencies, treating ransom proceeds as a financial-intelligence issue, and mandatory post-release investigations in resolved kidnapping cases.