School kidnappings: What's stoking the resurgence?

The surge in kidnappings in Northern Nigeria has become a growing concern, with over 300 students reportedly abducted within one week. The situation is dire, with incidents occurring not only in the Northern region but also in other parts of the country. Kabir Adamu, the Managing Director of Beacon Consulting, shed light on the hotspots and underlying factors fueling these abductions. He highlighted that the perpetrators, categorized as non-state groups, are using kidnappings to raise funds for their activities. Additionally, the ease with which ransom payments are collected and the inability of security forces to prevent these incidents have contributed to the persistence of the problem. The lack of a coordinated approach in the security architecture of the country and the inefficacy of intelligence collection and utilization further exacerbate the situation. Despite government efforts to discourage ransom payments, families facing the threat of harm to their loved ones often feel compelled to make payments, adding to the complexity of the issue. The interview pointed out the challenges posed by the current security landscape and the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the growing security threats across the country.