Abstract:
This work examined the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria been a violation of Section 33,34 and 41 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as mended).Kidnapping is a global problem that affects countries all over the world and emphasis been laid on Nigeria, which is the focus of this paper. Kidnapping is not new in Nigeria, and has
become the biggest challenges facing Nigeria from 2017 up till now. The recent evolution of Fulani herdsmen kidnapping citizens for ransom, which, has led to the loss of lives of many citizens no doubts, needs the prompt attention of our government to profound lasting solution to the menace of this daredevil. The activities of these armed
bandits have become a threat to national security. The aim of this work is to have a conceptual understanding of the act of kidnapping and its injurious effect on the fundamental rights of victims. The objective of this work is to determine the implications of kidnapping to Nigeria’s national security and also examine the causes, consequences and challenges faced by security agencies in curbing the activities of these bandits and to also investigate the measures being taken by the government to combat kidnapping in Nigeria. Finally, the paper suggests that for the menace of kidnapping to be eradicated in Nigeria, bribery and corruption ongoing amidst security outfits in Nigeria be reduced to the barest minimum. In addition, stricter penalties like imposition of death penalties in cases resulting to death of any person in their custody.
Keywords: Kidnapping, Insecurity, Human Rights, Banditry, Nigeria