The Federal Government has activated the toll-free 112 emergency number for Nigerians to report kidnappings and other security threats.

The initiative is part of efforts to tackle the growing menace of ransom-driven abductions.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka, disclosed this during a press briefing on the activities of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell under the Office of the National Security Adviser in Abuja on Thursday.

He said, “The Nigerian Communications Commission has facilitated an emergency response number, 112. The NCTC calls on all Nigerians to report suspicious activities, crimes, and kidnappings by calling the toll-free number 112, including the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell’s designated numbers that will be provided to the public.

“Kidnapping for ransom remains a critical challenge requiring collective and intensified efforts by all stakeholders. While significant progress was achieved in 2024, sustained commitment and innovative approaches are imperative to mitigate the menace in 2025.”

Laka stated that Nigeria recorded a 16.3% decrease in kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in 2024 compared to 2023, although the number of victims increased slightly by 0.27%.

He noted that Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states in the North-West accounted for the highest prevalence, with 13.8% of total incidents and 61.1% of victims nationwide.

He explained that bandits, terrorists, cultists, militants, and secessionist groups continued to exploit kidnapping for financial gain and to fund illicit activities.

“Trends in 2024 showed that kidnappings occurred in both rural and urban areas, targeting villages, schools, highways, and residential areas.

“Despite efforts to curb the menace, mass abductions persisted, leading to deserted agrarian communities, disruptions in food production, and rising food prices. The sustained payment of ransom continued to fuel the crime, as perpetrators exploited families’ fears to demand exorbitant sums.”

Laka said the government implemented both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to combat the menace, achieving significant results, including rescuing hostages, neutralising and arresting kidnapping kingpins, and destroying kidnappers’ hideouts.

In 2025, he said the government would strengthen and expand counter-kidnapping initiatives across all geo-political zones.

“The government projects that kidnapping for ransom will persist in 2025 due to its financial incentives. To counter this, authorities aim to strengthen counter-kidnapping initiatives, expand efforts to all six geo-political regions, improve collaboration with the 36 state governments, reinforce public confidence in government protection to discourage ransom payments, and engage state governments to address unemployment and economic vulnerabilities that drive individuals to crime,” Laka stated. (The PUNCH)