Kidnapping And The Challenges Of Human Security In Nigeria

Kidnapping has become a worrisome issue in Nigeria, affecting the free movement of people, both within and outside their territories. This has posed serious challenges to the security of people and their properties alike. The main objective of this study is to examine the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria and the challenges it poses to human security in the country. It is on this premise that the study examined the nature, trend and dynamics of kidnapping in Nigeria. It also looked at efforts aimed at checkmating it and how effective such efforts are. The methodology of the study was qualitative and it utilised secondary sources of data such as textbooks, journal articles and newspapers. The study was situated within the theoretical framework of the social contract theory. The study realized that influx of foreigners, influence of narcotics and inequitable distribution of wealth are parts of the challenges of human security in Nigeria. The study concludes that kidnapping has been enhanced by human security challenges. It recommends that government should check the influx of foreigners to Nigeria from the Central African Republic. In addition, there should be no involvement of thugs and hoodlums, as much as possible, in political activities in the country.