Why Security Agencies Struggle to Track Kidnappers’ Calls — Investigation

In a recent investigation, it has been revealed that Nigeria’s security agencies are struggling to effectively track calls made by kidnappers, despite the availability of advanced technology. This shortcoming has led to widespread outrage and frustration among citizens, who are questioning the capability of the country’s security apparatus.

The investigation was sparked by the tragic abduction and subsequent killing of the 74-year-old Emir of Gobir in Gawata, Sokoto State, Alhaji Isah Muhammad Bawa. The Emir and his son were kidnapped by bandits on Sabon Birni Road last month. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N1 billion while subjecting the Emir to torture. When the ransom was not paid after three weeks, the abductors killed the Emir. Even after his death, the kidnappers demanded an additional N60 million and six motorbikes for the release of his body.

This incident, among many others, highlights the glaring gaps in the ability of Nigeria’s security agencies to track down kidnappers. Despite the abductors communicating with the victims’ families via mobile phones, security forces were unable to trace the calls or locate the kidnappers. The failure to prevent these crimes, even with ongoing negotiations between kidnappers and victims’ families, has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the security agencies.

The issue is not isolated to the north. Across the country, from the south to the east and west, similar stories abound. Kidnappings have become a grim reality, with perpetrators using mobile phones to negotiate ransoms without fear of being traced. In Delta State, for instance, a young man who went to his farmland in Onitsah-Ugbo was kidnapped. Despite the kidnappers communicating with his family to demand N18 million in ransom, the victim was found dead after the ransom was paid, and his abductors remain at large.

In another case, 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos were abducted along the Otukpo-Enugu highway. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N50 million for their release, and despite several days of negotiation and communication via mobile phones, the kidnappers were not tracked. Although the students were eventually released, the inability to locate and apprehend the criminals underscores a persistent problem.

The investigation revealed that the root of the problem lies in the mismanagement and underutilization of tracking technology. A retired senior police officer disclosed that the tracking system, initially installed by former Inspector-General of Police Solomon Arase, was intended to aid in real-time monitoring and tracking of criminal activities. However, successive police leaderships failed to maintain and upgrade the system, allowing it to fall into disrepair. The officer also pointed out that the system was often misused by politicians to track their enemies and mistresses rather than being employed for its intended purpose of combating crime.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), responsible for the regulation of telecommunications in the country, has distanced itself from the failure to track kidnappers. According to an anonymous source within the commission, the NCC has consistently provided the necessary support to security agencies whenever requested. The source emphasized that the issue does not lie with the commission but rather with the failure of security agencies to utilize the resources available to them effectively.

Furthermore, the NCC highlighted challenges such as the misuse of SIM cards. It was discovered that some individuals owned thousands of SIM cards, complicating efforts to track criminal activities. Despite measures like the SIM card registration and the National Identity Number (NIN) linkage, these issues persist, undermining the effectiveness of the tracking systems.

The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies have also been criticized for their reluctance to pursue kidnappers, often citing inadequate resources and the high risks involved in such operations. Many officers are hesitant to engage in dangerous missions without proper support, leading to a lack of motivation among the rank and file. This has resulted in a situation where kidnappers continue to operate with impunity, confident that they will not be tracked or apprehended.

Moreover, the investigation uncovered that kidnappers have adapted their methods to evade detection. They now use their victims’ phones to make ransom calls, making it difficult for security agencies to trace the calls. This new tactic has rendered existing tracking technologies less effective, prompting calls for the adoption of more advanced systems, such as GPS tracking and digital forensics.

Nigerians are increasingly demanding a more proactive approach from their government and security agencies. They argue that it is no longer sufficient to react to kidnapping incidents after they occur; instead, there must be a concerted effort to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place. This would require the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, improved intelligence-gathering techniques, and a commitment from the government to address the root causes of kidnapping, such as poverty and unemployment.

Despite the recent reactivation of tracking devices by the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the problem persists. Kidnappers continue to evade capture, and the public’s trust in the security apparatus is rapidly eroding.