Implications of Kidnapping on National Security in Nigeria’s North Central Region

Abstract

The study examines the causes of the increased rate of kidnapping in Nigeria, investigates the impact of kidnapping on national security, and examines the difficulties in solving the kidnapping issue in Nigeria. The study used a survey research design and administered a five-point Likert scale questionnaire to respondents who were residents of Abuja’s six Area Councils. The Taro Yamane formulas were used to minimize the study’s 3,652,000 population, and a 400-person sample was taken. 400 respondents were chosen at random from the six Area Councils in Abuja to receive the questionnaire. Simple percentages and chi-square were employed to evaluate the data in this descriptive survey study. The study results indicated that the marginalization of particular ethnic groups, failures in leadership, weak security systems, high rates of youth unemployment and poverty, and a lack of societal values were the main causes of the surge in abduction. The study also showed that kidnapping has detrimental effects on national security, including harm to the nation’s reputation abroad, a decline in foreign investment, a rise in public unease, and slowed economic expansion. The study recommended that the government should address the underlying issues that lead to marginalization, poverty, and unemployment, particularly among young people.