Nigeria’s Kidnapping Nightmare Exposed: Accounts from a Ransom Negotiator
A hostage negotiator, who for safety reasons goes by the pseudonym Sulaiman, has shed light on the dire dilemma faced by families grappling with the abduction crisis plaguing northern Nigeria. Despite the legality concerns surrounding ransom payments, Sulaiman underscores their indispensability as the only viable means to secure the release of kidnapped loved ones from the grip of notorious criminal gangs.
Hailing from Kaduna state, Sulaiman has been quietly engaged in this perilous role for years, driven by personal experience after some of his own relatives fell victim to abduction. His journey into negotiation commenced in 2021, preceding the outlawing of ransom payments in Nigeria. Despite this legal barrier, Sulaiman has successfully brokered the release of over 200 hostages, albeit a fraction of the many abducted over the past decade.
Negotiating with kidnappers demands not only patience but also courage, especially considering the risks involved. Sulaiman’s involvement has earned him suspicions from both sides – the government and the bandits. Yet, his intimate understanding of the socioeconomic factors fueling Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis, particularly poverty and youth unemployment, has been instrumental in his negotiations.
The complexity of these negotiations is compounded by the sophisticated operations of the criminal gangs, comprising thousands of bandits operating across the region. Success hinges on the disposition of the gang leader, with outcomes ranging from the prompt release of hostages to prolonged captivity even after ransom payment.
Sulaiman’s modus operandi involves navigating delicate conversations with the kidnappers, characterized by soft language and unwavering composure despite verbal abuse. Cash remains the preferred form of ransom payment, delivered by relatives following meticulous instructions from the bandits.
The economic toll of rampant kidnappings is significant, with communities resorting to crowdfunding amidst a devastated local economy. Yet, the stakes are high, as failure to meet ransom demands could result in tragic consequences for hostages.
Despite acknowledging the adverse effects of ransom payments on perpetuating the kidnapping business, Sulaiman advocates against a heavy-handed military response, advocating instead for dialogue with the perpetrators. However, the government’s official stance remains staunchly against negotiating with bandits, posing a formidable challenge to Sulaiman’s efforts.
As the abduction crisis persists, Sulaiman remains committed to answering the call for help, driven by a sense of duty to his community despite the inherent dangers. His story underscores the harsh realities faced by many Nigerians caught in the crossfire of criminality and governmental policy.
