Abstract
The incessant incidences of kidnapping in Nigeria have grown into a severe National threat to its society and is ravaging the country’s socioeconomic wellbeing. The study aims to explore the political economy of kidnapping and its impact on national security. By way of qualitative analysis, predicated on secondary sources, the study posits that kidnapping has been motivated and sustained by criminal quest for material accumulation. The study adds that the situation has been compounded by the growing trend of criminal impunity in Nigeria wherefore the government’s capacity to sanction and deter crime is abysmal. The study observes that kidnapping portends dangerously for Nigeria’s national security in view of its untoward impacts and implications. The study submits that crimes like kidnapping would continue to prevail in Nigeria until pragmatic measures are taken to deter their occurrence as well as penalize their commission
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background of the study
The global phenomenon of kidnapping is as early as human history, perpetrated with certain scenarios and differences. Kidnapping is the illegal abduction of an individual or group of people for a ransom or other criminal act. In the context of Nigeria, kidnapping was rare prior to the 1990s, which were not recorded on the Crime trends on Eighth United Nations Survey on Criminal Justice System Operation conducted in 2002 through United Nations Office on Crime and Drugs (Obarisiagbon & Aderinto, 2018). The intensified wave of kidnapping emanated in Nigeria in February of 2006 via abduction of foreign employees working for the multinational oil companies in the region of Niger Delta. The kidnaps were portrayed as a message to the Nigerian government and the international community over the region’s alleged exploitation and marginalization (Akpan, 2010). Ever since, the menacing impacts absorb the core and peripheral of the Nigerian criminal system, affecting the young, aged, locals, and foreigners for a ransom or other unlawful activity. The catastrophe of the kidnapping phenomenon has devastated the nooks and crannies of the Nigerian state. Based on the report from the UN office on crimes and drugs, the trends of incessant abductions revealed that the menacing kidnaps in Nigeria in the fourth quarter of 2016 were rate at 29.00 value and changed at an average 14.37%, it intensified to 65.00 in the fourth quarter of 2017 and changed at 66.67%, it also escalated to 40.00 in the fourth quarter of 2018 and change at an average rate of 37.93% (Knoema, 2018). The menace’s intensification has bedeviled the nation, recruiting idle-minded individuals venturing viciously into the act. The country has been perceived as the hotbed and volatile of catastrophic heinous crimes in West Africa, which has ruined its reputation abroad. Notably, in 2006 the country was ranked 11th among 12 high kidnapping nations worldwide (Christi, 2008). Relatively, the nation evolved second in Africa, After South Africa (Adagbabiri& Okolie, 2018). Based on the recent report by crime index mid-year (2018), Nigeria was 14thin the world and 3rdin Africa. The study aims to elaborate on the impacts of kidnapping on Nigerian external relations, its effects on the country`s image in the international community, impediment of tourism investment, and its deterrence of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Provided some panaceas and measures to tackle security threat in the country so that our neighbouring countries and the international community can view our efforts in fighting vicious crimes such as kidnapping in the country, in order to create a safe and transparent environment for foreign direct investment, promote economic growth, resuscitate development and strengthen a bilateral and multilateral relationship with neighbouring nationand other countries of the world(Ibrahim et al.,2020). According to Okoli & Agada, (2014); Imhonopi & Urim, (2016); Ihe, (2018); Samuel, (2019); Ibrahim & Ahmad, (2020), the incessant incidences of kidnapping have incurred immense threat to the government, the security agencies, and all related stakeholders. Therefore, the present study focus on the socioeconomic impact of the phenomenon. The Nigerian senate president urges the need for reforming and restructuring Nigerian security architecture as a result of the deadly insecurity terrorizing the country (Umoru 2019). Imposed Nigeria into the United States visa ban countries (Olaniyi 2020). The Senate President warned that the current insecurity situation in the country was crippling the socioeconomic activities and scared away investors, which left the development of Nigeria in stagnation. Thus, he called for a concerted effort from all arms of government to tackle the problem (Umoru 2019). According to Asuquo, (2009), the term “kidnapping” is complex and transitional due to its state-to-state scenario as well as jurisdictional criteria. Ugwuoke, (2011) and Walsh & Poole, (2019) has described the phenomenon as ‘abducting or capturing away of a person intentionally to deprive them of personal freedom. Generally, kidnapping comprises capturing and detaining an individual against his or her will, usually in an extension of other criminal intentions. Abraham, (2010) has further illustrated that kidnapping is of two kinds: simple and aggravated. The latter is rampant in Nigeria and is more unsafe because it contains both physical and psychological suffering and deprivations, it really might be difficult for most Nigerians to utter which of aggravated kidnapping and armed robbery is the most dreaded and feared crime in the country.
- STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The incident of kidnapping has affected Nigeria’s image as a nation abroad. The global system of mobile communication (GSM) provides the mechanism through which kidnappers use in communicating and negotiating with relations of the kidnapped victims to obtained ransom for freedom. Sometimes, the criminals collect the money and still kill their victims especially if the victim(s) recognized the kidnappers thereby impoverishing the economy by scaring away both local and foreign investors (Udoh, 2012). This has negatively affected socioeconomic development and also increased other social vices in Nigeria (Okorie-Ajah, Nwokeoma & Okpan, 2018). Kidnapping is an offence that is punishable by law in Nigeria. The legal provision is that anybody involved in this act is to face a penalty of 10 years imprisonment. Some states in Nigeria like Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo and Rivers have all passed into law in a bill term “Prohibition of Hostage Taking and Related Offences Law”, with death penalty as punishment for offenders (Ubong, 2013). Kidnapping in Nigeria s takes the forms of seizing, detaining, unlawful, force or fraud and remove a person to an undisclosed location against his or her will and usually for use as a hostage to collect ransom (Umoren, 2009; cited in Udoh, 2012). In Nigeria it has become a life threatening ailment, and a critical variable vitiating national development (Dodo, 2010). It is in view of this that the study examines the political economy of kidnapping and its impact of insecurity in Nigeria.
- OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The study has one main objective which is sub-divided into general and specific objective, the general objective is to examine the political economy of kidnapping and its impact on insecurity in Nigeria. The specific objectives are;
- To examine the effect of kidnapping on Nigeria foreign direct investment
- To ascertain the relationship between kidnapping and political development of Nigeria democratic process
- To examine the impact of kidnapping on Nigeria political economic development
- To proffer suggested solutions to the identified problem
- RESEARCH QUESTION
The following research questions where formulated by the researcher to aid the completion of the study;
- Does kidnapping have any effect on Nigeria foreign direct investment?
- Is there any significant relationship between kidnapping and political economy development of Nigeria democratic process?
- Is there any impact of kidnapping on Nigeria political economic development?
- RESEARCH HYPOTHESES
The following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher to aid the completion of the study
H0: kidnapping does not have any effect on Nigeria foreign direct investment
H1: kidnapping does have an effect on Nigeria foreign direct investment
H0: there is no significant relationship between kidnapping and political economy development of Nigeria democratic process
H2: there is a significant relationship between kidnapping and political economy development of Nigeria democratic process
- SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Kidnapping has now become a generic word both in public and private discuss going by its prevalence in the country. Literarily, the word, which has become notorious, putrid and nauseating in the ears of virtually everyone is derived from “kid” meaning; child and “nab” which means; to snatch. Adewale (2009) pointed out that kidnapping now appears to be an emerging concern in Nigeria though it is not a new phenomenon. It is as old as the word itself. But the motive may vary from country to country. The study will serve as a guide to a better and safe Nigeria which will eventually lead to positive fight against insecurity in Nigeria. As the study is focused on a particular region, It will help the government of the state to understand the impediments to the control of kidnapping activities in the state and as well as implementing possible solutions to be a better Nigeria where all and sundry will live safely. Finally, it will be an added research work and literature on political economy of kidnapping for ransom and the danger of top-bottom approach to security.
- SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The scope of the study covers the political economy of kidnapping and its impact on insecurity in Nigeria. But in the course of the study, there are some factors that limit the scope of the study;
(a)Availability of research material: The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study.
(b)Time: The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.
(c)Finance: The finance available for the research work does not allow for wider coverage as resources are very limited as the researcher has other academic bills to cover.
1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS
Political economy
Political economy is an interdisciplinary branch of the social sciences that focuses on the interrelationships among individuals, governments, and public policy. Political economists study how economic theories such as capitalism, socialism, and communism work in the real world.
Kidnapping
Kidnapping is the unlawful transportation, exportation and confinement of a person against their will. It can include anything from tying someone up, gagging them, or stuffing them in a box.
Ransom
Ransom is the practice of holding a prisoner or item to extort money or property to secure their release, or the sum of money involved in such a practice
Security
Security is freedom from, or resilience against, potential harm caused by others.
Insecurity
Insecurity is the lack of confidence or assurance; self-doubt: He is plagued by insecurity. The quality or state of being insecure; instability: the insecurity of her financial position
1.9 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY
This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), statement of problem, objectives of the study, research question, significance or the study, research methodology, definition of terms and historical background of the study. Chapter two highlight the theoretical framework on which the study its based, thus the review of related literature. Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding. Chapter five gives summary, conclusion and also recommendations made of the study.
This material content is developed to serve as a GUIDE for students to conduct academic research
POLITICAL ECONOMY OF KIDNAPPING AND ITS IMPACT OF INSECURITY IN NIGERIA (2019-2022)>
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