Kidnapping Industry a National Disgrace, Must Be Dismantled – Fundpeeps

Lagos, Nigeria — Fundpeeps has condemned the alarming surge of kidnappings across Nigeria, describing it as a “national disgrace” that has grown into a dangerous criminal enterprise threatening the country’s unity, economy, and global reputation.

In an editorial titled “Kidnapping Industry Is a Big Shame; Must Be Shut Down,” Fundpeeps urged the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive action to eliminate what it called one of Nigeria’s most shameful and destabilizing security challenges.

A Growing Criminal Business

According to findings from SBM Intelligence’s recent report, “The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry (2025 Update),” over 4,700 kidnapping cases were recorded between July 2024 and June 2025, with an estimated ₦2.56 billion paid in ransom during the period. Tragically, 762 victims were killed in abduction-related incidents.

Fundpeeps noted that kidnapping has evolved from isolated crimes into an organized “industry,” sustained by ransom payments, weak law enforcement, and systemic corruption. The menace, it added, now affects farms, schools, highways, religious centres, and entire communities across the country.

Call for Urgent Government Action

Fundpeeps called on the Federal Government to treat kidnapping with the same level of seriousness as terrorism, stressing the need for stronger intelligence networks, modern security equipment, and greater inter-agency coordination.

“The Nigerian government must act decisively to dismantle the kidnapping syndicates and bring their sponsors, informants, and collaborators to justice,” the publication emphasized.

It also urged the government to strengthen community policing structures, promote accountability within security agencies, and ensure that convicted kidnappers face swift punishment.

Impact on Nigeria’s Economy and Image

Fundpeeps warned that the growing wave of abductions poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s economy, discouraging local and foreign investment, crippling agricultural activities, and forcing people to abandon their livelihoods in fear.

The report highlighted that the persistent insecurity has eroded public confidence in government institutions and contributed to a culture of fear and ransom dependency.

Collective Responsibility to End It

In conclusion, Fundpeeps called for a united front against the scourge of kidnapping, urging citizens, communities, and policymakers to rise against the crime rather than accept it as a norm.

“Every ransom paid empowers the criminals. Every silence sustains their operations. Kidnapping must never become Nigeria’s new normal,” Fundpeeps stated.