Kidnapping now major source of financing for terrorists –FG

National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka. Photo: Nigeria Army

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The Federal Government has disclosed that kidnapping, which was once considered an opportunistic crime, has become a significant source of funding for criminal and terrorist networks in Nigeria.

Speaking on Wednesday at a Stakeholders Workshop of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell in Abuja,the National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, said the proceeds from kidnapping had allowed criminals to acquire weapons, sustain acts of terror, and, in some instances, assert territorial control.

He said the initiative is part of deliberate efforts to strengthen coordination, intelligence sharing, and operational synergy in curtailing the menace of kidnapping in the country.

Laka said, “As we are all aware, Nigeria continues to grapple with a broad spectrum of security challenges driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist violence, and farmer-herder clashes. A common trend across these threats is the pervasive use of kidnapping.

“What was once an opportunistic crime has become a persistent and destabilising enterprise, enabling these groups to procure logistics, perpetuate terror, and, in some cases, exert territorial control.”

He noted that the growing national and international concern over rising kidnapping incidents led to strategic collaboration between the governments of the United Kingdom and Nigeria, culminating in the establishment of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell at the NCTC.

“The cell, officially inaugurated by the National Security Adviser on 19 December 2024, coordinates counter-terrorism and anti-kidnap operations nationwide while supporting Nigeria’s ambition to become a regional centre of excellence in counter-terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel.

“Since its operationalisation, the cell has coordinated the efforts of the Armed Forces, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies to prevent, disrupt, and respond to kidnapping, with notable success. Analysts within the cell have generated actionable intelligence leading to the rescue of hostages and the disruption of kidnapping syndicates across the country,” Laka added.

To strengthen linkages between national coordination and state-level response, Laka said the NCTC conducted a state expansion programme in July 2025 for Anti-Kidnap Commanders of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Despite these successes,  Laka acknowledged the need to integrate additional stakeholders such as media organisations, telecommunications operators, and social media platforms into the anti-kidnap response framework.

He urged participants to propose practical solutions to support national efforts in rescuing victims, dismantling kidnapping networks, and safeguarding communities, while maintaining close liaison with the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell to support ongoing rescue operations.

The acting High Commisoner, British High Commission, Gill Lever, said the UK government was highly impressed by the activities of the cntres since its establishment, assuring that the UK government would continue to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapooing efforts.

Head of UK’s National Crime Agency, Chris Gibson, said effective collaboration and communication among various critical stakeholders is key to continue success of the cell.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support the government’s efforts, stressing that “anti-kidnapping is a responsibility of every citizen.”

Kidnapping has emerged as one of the most pervasive security threats in Nigeria.

In response, the Nigerian government has intensified efforts to tackle kidnapping through coordinated, multi-agency approaches.

One notable initiative is the establishment of the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell at the NCTC, developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom.

The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.

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