The Nigerian government has activated the toll-free 112 hotline to help tackle kidnappings and security threats. The initiative is aimed at combating ransom-driven abductions, with a decrease in kidnapping incidents recorded in 2024. The government plans to strengthen anti-kidnapping measures and address socio-economic causes in 2025.
The Nigerian government has launched a toll-free 112 emergency hotline to help combat the rise in kidnappings and other security threats. The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) to address the growing issue of ransom-driven abductions, particularly in northern Nigeria. Major General Adamu Laka, the NCTC’s National Coordinator, announced the hotline during a press briefing in Abuja, urging Nigerians to report any suspicious activities through the emergency number.
While there was a 16.3% decrease in kidnapping incidents in 2024, the problem remains significant. The states of Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara recorded the highest number of incidents and victims. Laka explained that bandits, militants, and other criminal groups exploit abductions for financial gain, fueling further insecurity. The government has been actively addressing the issue through both kinetic (military action) and non-kinetic (community engagement) efforts, successfully rescuing hostages and apprehending key figures in the kidnapping syndicates.
Looking ahead to 2025, Laka emphasized the need for continued innovation, state government collaboration, and increased public confidence in government efforts to counteract criminal activity. The government also aims to tackle underlying socio-economic factors, such as unemployment, which contribute to the prevalence of kidnapping.
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