As the 2024 holiday season approaches, Nigerians are increasingly worried about the spate of kidnappings on the country’s highways. This concern has been amplified by the soaring costs of air travel, making road travel the primary option for many, despite the growing insecurity.
Amah A. Amah, Director General of the African Writers’ Centre in Lagos, has called on the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the frequent kidnappings, particularly along the North-South corridor. He proposed the establishment of a Forest Guard to enhance security in these vulnerable areas, which have witnessed several high-profile abductions.
This year has seen numerous incidents of kidnappings on Nigeria’s highways. The latest occurred on November 30, 2024, when gunmen abducted 14 passengers traveling with God is Good Motors (GIGM) from Port Harcourt to Abuja. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a N100 million ransom for each passenger. Earlier in the year, 12 passengers traveling from Abia State to Abuja were also kidnapped along the same route.
In addition, several other high-profile abductions have occurred, including the kidnapping of Anambra State Commissioner for Youths Development, Patrick Agha Mba, and his wife in August. Medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were also kidnapped in Benue State the same month.
Amah’s call for the establishment of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) was echoed by Professor Ugwu Anthony from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He emphasized the importance of installing CCTV cameras along major highways, particularly in the South East, where allegations of extortion by security agents have exacerbated the insecurity.
Professor Anthony proposed that the government criminalize any checkpoint lacking CCTV cameras, which would serve a dual purpose: curbing extortion and tracking criminal activity, including kidnappings.
As the country braces for the Christmas season, there is a pressing need for the government to address the growing threat of kidnappings. The ongoing crisis not only affects the safety of travelers but also tarnishes Nigeria’s international image, discouraging business and investment. Victims and their families endure emotional and psychological trauma, while the broader economy suffers from the cost of ransoms and the impact on the transport sector.
With the holiday season approaching, many Nigerians are hoping the government will take swift action to ensure safer travel and reduce the number of abductions on the country’s highways.
