The Federal Government has activated the toll-free 112 emergency number for Nigerians to report kidnappings and other security threats, as part of efforts to curb ransom-driven abductions.
Major General Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), announced this during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He urged citizens to report suspicious activities through the 112 hotline, alongside designated numbers from the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell.
Laka noted that while Nigeria recorded a 16.3% decline in kidnapping-for-ransom incidents in 2024, the number of victims increased slightly by 0.27%. Kaduna, Katsina, and Zamfara states had the highest prevalence, accounting for 13.8% of total incidents and 61.1% of victims nationwide.
He highlighted that kidnappings occurred in both rural and urban areas, including schools, highways, and residential zones. The persistence of ransom payments has fueled the crime, leading to displaced communities, food production disruptions, and rising prices.
The government has implemented various countermeasures, including hostage rescues, the neutralization and arrest of kidnapping kingpins, and the destruction of criminal hideouts. In 2025, authorities plan to expand anti-kidnapping initiatives nationwide, enhance collaboration with state governments, and address economic vulnerabilities driving crime.
Citizens are encouraged to use 112 to report incidents and support security efforts in making Nigeria safer.