The federal government has activated the toll-free 112 emergency number for Nigerians to report kidnappings and security threats.
National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Coordinator, Adamu Laka, made it known during a press briefing in Abuja this Thursday, urging Nigerians to report crimes via 112 or the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell’s designated numbers.
Laka noted a 16.3% drop in kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in 2024 compared to 2023, though victim numbers slightly increased by 0.27%.
He said Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara recorded the highest cases, accounting for 13.8% of incidents and 61.1% of victims nationwide.
He highlighted how bandits, terrorists, and other criminal groups exploit kidnappings for financial gain, saying that the sustained ransom payments continue to fuel the crime.
The government has intensified efforts to combat kidnapping through military operations, hostages’ rescue, and the dismantling of criminal hideouts.
In 2025, authorities plan to expand counter-kidnapping measures nationwide, strengthen state collaborations, and address economic vulnerabilities that push individuals into crime.
Laka urged the public to stay vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to tackle the menace effectively.