The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has raised alarms over a disturbing new trend in Nigeria’s escalating kidnapping crisis, where some Nigerians are reportedly staging their own abductions to extort ransom from their families. This development, according to Ribadu, involves both criminal gangs and individuals within the population who actively collaborate with kidnappers or fabricate kidnapping scenarios for financial gain.

In a recent statement, the NSA revealed that criminal syndicates were not the only ones responsible for kidnappings, highlighting cases where victims have cooperated with criminals or even arranged their own abductions.

Fake Kidnapping Cases and Technology Abuse

Ribadu recounted instances where individuals, including a young man, collaborated with friends to fake a kidnapping and demand a ransom from their families. He emphasized that such cases were not limited to physical kidnappings, but also involved the use of advanced technology.

“What we are witnessing is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to clone voices,” Ribadu said, revealing how some people use voice-changing software to simulate distress calls. AI tools can now mimic voices, allowing individuals to stage fake kidnapping scenarios, demand ransom, and later return home, having pocketed the money.

Eroding Public Trust and Security

The NSA cautioned that this rising trend of fake abductions was seriously undermining efforts to tackle real kidnappings in the country. The growing uncertainty surrounding ransom demands has led to distrust among families, who can no longer be certain whether a ransom request is genuine or staged.

Community Complicity

Ribadu also pointed out that community complicity remained a significant barrier to combating kidnapping in Nigeria. There are claims that some insiders, either acquaintances or relatives of the victims, are directly involved in facilitating these crimes by providing information, logistics, and protection for criminal gangs.

A Call for Societal Reorientation

The NSA called for a societal reorientation, urging Nigerians to take collective responsibility for security, instead of contributing to criminal activities. Ribadu stressed the need for public enlightenment, vigilance, and cooperation with law enforcement agencies to tackle this growing menace.

“I think there is a need for us to resuscitate the population,” Ribadu said, emphasizing that the fight against kidnappings could only succeed with the active involvement of the entire society.

Conclusion

The NSA’s comments highlight a worsening security situation in Nigeria, with new and disturbing tactics emerging among perpetrators of crime. While addressing the rise of technology-assisted kidnapping schemes, Ribadu also underscored the importance of community involvement in addressing the broader issue of crime and security in the country.