FG Launches Emergency Helpline to Combat Kidnapping

The Federal Government has introduced a toll-free 112 emergency number for Nigerians to report kidnappings and other security-related incidents.

Major General Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, announced this during a press briefing on Thursday, February 6, in Abuja. The briefing focused on the activities of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

“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 noted that while kidnapping-for-ransom incidents declined by 16.3% between 2023 and 2024, the number of victims involved saw a slight increase of 0.27% within the same period.

He identified Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara as the states with the highest rates of kidnapping-for-ransom, all located in Nigeria’s North-West region. These three states accounted for 13.8% of all such incidents nationwide and a staggering 61.1% of the total victims.

“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.”