Nigerian Government Warns Against Crowdfunding for Ransom Amid Kidnapping Surge

The Federal Government of Nigeria has cautioned against the use of crowdfunding to raise money for the release of kidnap victims, citing an existing law against ransom payments. Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru emphasized that responding to ransom demands could exacerbate the kidnapping crisis and urged the public to refrain from such practices.

The government aims to make kidnapping less profitable by discouraging ransom payments. The announcement follows reports of individuals soliciting funds for the release of abducted individuals, prompting the Defence Minister to issue a stern warning. Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police launched a Special Intervention Squad (SIS) to combat kidnapping, declaring that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) would no longer be a sanctuary for bandits.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike also pledged increased support and logistics for security agencies to address the rising crime rate. The Defence Minister attributed the surge in kidnappings in the FCT to bandits fleeing military operations in the Northwest and Northcentral regions.