AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLE OF KIDNAPPING FOR RANSOM AS A SOURCE OF TERRORISM FINANCING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Kidnapping for ransom started in Niger-Delta and South-Eastern region of Nigeria, the act continues to grow and was extended to the Northern region; the perpetrators keep on getting stronger every day, operating with more sophisticated weapons, citizens especially in the north are always been disturbed by the terrorist groups, they often strike against the citizens at will, without any form of resistance from the state security agencies, this is because the state security architecture is overwhelmed. Most parts of the country are no longer safe, and this may likely attract international sanctions that would impair the image of the country. Thus, this paper used crime causation theory to assessed the role of kidnapping for ransom as a source of terrorism financing in Nigeria, we used information from literature and records from reliable media sources to examine how lucrative the act is and  explained the reason for the persistent growing of the act. We found out that kidnapping for ransom is extraordinary lucrative enterprise, and this serves as the reason behind the persistent growing of the act, we also found out that the act is strongly connected to terrorism financing, as it is stated to be second, after direct state sponsorship. However, we recommended effective enforcement of the legislation that prohibit paying ransom, government efforts that will give family of victims relief and hope for reuniting with their loved ones, adequate public relations with security operatives and engaging the youths with empowerment for self-reliance as a solutions to the menace.