Investigation Reveals Reasons Behind Security’s Inability To Track Kidnappers’ Calls

Investigation Reveals Reasons Behind Security’s Inability To Track Kidnappers’ Calls

The 74-year-old Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isah Muhammad Bawa, was kidnapped last month by bandits on Sabon Birni road in Sokoto State. He was abducted along with his son while traveling to Sabon Birni after a meeting in Sokoto. The kidnappers demanded a N1 billion ransom and subjected him to torture and dehumanization…….CONTINUE READING 

In a viral video, the emir was seen pleading for his release, urging the state government, his acquaintances, and family to pay the ransom. After failing to secure the ransom over three weeks, the abductors killed him. When the family sought his body, the bandits demanded N60 million and six motorbikes for its return.

This incident has sparked nationwide outrage, highlighting the security agencies’ failure to rescue the emir despite ongoing ransom negotiations. A concerned citizen expressed frustration, questioning why agencies like the DSS, NIA, EFCC, and others, equipped with access to service providers and advanced technology, failed to track the kidnappers. The citizen criticized the use of technology, such as the efforts of Minister Bosun Tijani, in addressing the issue.

Kidnapping cases across Nigeria often involve kidnappers communicating with families through mobile phones to negotiate ransoms, yet security agencies struggle to track these calls. In Delta State, a young man was abducted and later found dead after his family paid the ransom. In another case, 20 medical students were kidnapped in August 2024 and held for nine days before being released. Although no ransom was officially reported as paid, the inability of authorities to track the kidnappers remains a serious concern.

The Nigeria Police Force previously implemented Intelligence-led Policing and tracking devices, including GPS and cell phone trackers, to aid investigations. These tools helped in past arrests, such as the capture of kidnappers involved in the abduction of Chief Olu Falae in 2015. However, the system’s effectiveness diminished due to mismanagement, lack of maintenance, and political interference.

Current IGP Kayode Egbetokun has reactivated the tracking device, but kidnappers continue to evade capture. This failure to adapt to new evasion tactics, such as using victims’ phones for communication, underscores the need for advanced tracking technologies and improved response strategies.

Security agents have expressed frustration over inadequate resources, recognition, and support, leading to decreased motivation and effectiveness in combating kidnappings. Many argue for a shift in focus from ransom negotiations to addressing systemic issues within the security framework.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Communications Satellite Company (NigComSat) have been criticized for their roles. Despite measures like SIM card registration and the NigComSat-1R satellite, kidnappers remain active. The NCC maintains it provides necessary support, while NigComSat clarifies that its satellite provides data rather than direct crime scene footage.

There is a call for a comprehensive approach, utilizing modern technology and addressing socio-economic issues like poverty and unemployment, to effectively combat kidnapping in Nigeria.

For the latest updates and juicy gossip, dive into the Bushradiogist platform by clicking this link: Bushradio. For advert placement only, shoot a WhatsApp message to 0807 580 6790.