Investigation: Why Security Agencies Struggle to Track Kidnappers’ Calls

In recent months, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in kidnappings across the country, with the most alarming aspect being the apparent inability of security agencies to trace the calls made by kidnappers to the families of their victims. Despite the existence of advanced communication technologies and tracking systems, these criminals continue to operate with impunity, leaving many to question the effectiveness of the nation’s security apparatus.

A Recent Tragedy

One of the most tragic incidents in recent times was the abduction of the 74-year-old Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isah Muhammad Bawa, in Sokoto State. On his way home from a meeting in Sokoto, the Emir and his son were kidnapped by bandits on Sabon Birni road. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N1 billion, subjecting the traditional ruler to inhumane treatment. A video of the Emir pleading for help went viral, sparking nationwide outrage. Despite weeks of negotiations, the ransom was not paid, and the Emir was eventually killed. Even after his death, the kidnappers demanded N60 million and six motorbikes to release his body. The inability of security agencies to intervene effectively during the prolonged negotiation period has raised serious concerns about their capacity to respond to such crises.

Nationwide Outrage and Security Gaps

The failure of security forces to track the kidnappers’ calls and locate their hideouts has led to widespread frustration and anger across the nation. From Sokoto to Delta, kidnappings have become a daily occurrence, with families often left to negotiate with criminals who brazenly use mobile phones to demand ransom. In Delta State, a young man was abducted on his farmland, and despite paying the ransom, his lifeless body was discovered. The kidnappers, who used the victim’s phone to communicate, remain at large.

In another case, 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were abducted while traveling to a convention in Enugu State. The kidnappers demanded N50 million for their release, and despite several days of communication, the students were eventually released, allegedly without any ransom payment. However, the fact that the kidnappers could not be tracked during this period highlights a significant lapse in the security agencies’ intelligence-gathering and response capabilities.

The Crux of the Problem

The inability to track kidnappers’ calls is not due to a lack of technology. In 2015, the Nigeria Police Force introduced a tracking system aimed at pinpointing the location of kidnappers through their mobile phone usage. This system, established under the then-Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, was initially successful, leading to the arrest of several kidnappers, including those responsible for the abduction of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae. However, the effectiveness of this system has diminished over time.

A retired senior police officer revealed that the system’s decline began when successive Inspectors General of Police prioritized other issues over maintaining and upgrading the tracking platform. Political interference further compromised the system, with some officials reportedly using it to monitor political rivals and personal adversaries instead of focusing on criminal activities. The failure to renew subscriptions and upgrade the technology has rendered the tracking system almost obsolete, making it increasingly difficult for security agencies to track kidnappers and other criminals.

The Role of Politicization and Lack of Resources

The politicization of security operations has also played a significant role in the decline of effective kidnapping response. Security personnel often face immense risks when pursuing kidnappers, especially in remote and dangerous areas, yet they are frequently under-resourced and unsupported. Many officers express frustration at the lack of recognition and rewards for their efforts, further demotivating them from taking on high-risk operations.

Moreover, the process of tracking kidnappers through their phone calls has become increasingly cumbersome. The necessary equipment is often centralized in Abuja, making it difficult for local police units to access the tools they need in a timely manner. This lack of decentralization and support hampers the effectiveness of security operations across the country.

The NCC’s Stance

Despite the widespread belief that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should be able to assist in tracking kidnappers through mobile phone data, the NCC insists that the responsibility does not lie with them. According to a senior official at the NCC, the commission’s role is to provide technical support to security agencies when requested, not to directly track or apprehend criminals. The official pointed out that the NCC has made significant efforts to clean up the SIM registration database and ensure that all SIM cards are linked to valid National Identification Numbers (NINs). However, the use of unregistered SIM cards and other loopholes continue to pose challenges.

The Way Forward

To address the growing menace of kidnapping, there is an urgent need for the federal government and security agencies to adopt a more proactive and technologically advanced approach. This includes the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, data analytics, and intelligence-gathering techniques that can preemptively identify and locate potential kidnappers. Additionally, the root causes of kidnapping, such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality, must be addressed to reduce the incentive for criminal behavior.

The current situation calls for a comprehensive review of the nation’s security strategies, with an emphasis on depoliticizing security operations and ensuring that the necessary resources and support are provided to those on the front lines of the fight against kidnapping. Only through a concerted and unified effort can Nigeria hope to curb the rising tide of kidnappings and restore a sense of security to its citizens.