Security experts are divided over the Office of the National Security Adviser’s (ONSA) recent plan to collaborate with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) in combating kidnappers. While some praise the initiative, others argue it duplicates existing efforts and may overstep the NSA’s mandate.
In recent months, the NSA has successfully coordinated operations resulting in the rescue of several kidnapped victims. On April 15, 2024, 22 students and staff members from the Federal University of Gusau, Zamfara State, abducted by bandits on September 22, 2023, were freed in a mission led by the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC). Similarly, on July 4, 2024, 16 individuals kidnapped in Zamfara State on April 22, 2024, were rescued and handed over to the state government. The NSA also planned and executed the operation that rescued three children of a Kaduna judge on July 10, 2024, and collaborated with the Army on March 23, 2023, to rescue 17 Tsangaya pupils abducted in Gada Local Government.
Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, highlighted that over 1,000 victims had been rescued without ransom payments. He also announced plans to establish an Anti-Kidnapping Fusion Cell in collaboration with the UK’s NCA to enhance the tracking and arrest of kidnappers.
However, retired Commodore Adekunle Olawunmi criticized the initiative, labeling it a redundant effort that indicates a lack of direction in the government’s security strategy. He argued that existing structures already promote interoperability among security agencies.
“There is already interoperability of security agencies,” Olawunmi said. “The NSA’s statement either shows ignorance or a desire to play to the gallery. We need someone who understands the job to govern this space.”
Dr. Kabir Adamu, Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, also expressed reservations. He argued that the NSA’s role is advisory and coordinating, not operational. He warned that the Anti-Kidnapping Fusion Cell might be misused for political purposes.
“The NSA’s mandate is to coordinate security functions, not to become operational,” Adamu stated. “This initiative could lead to misuse, especially during elections.”
Conversely, security expert Chigozie Ubani supported the NSA’s move, citing the need for technological advancement and international collaboration to combat kidnapping effectively. Ubani emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and interconnectivity with other countries.
“Kidnapping is a global issue, and we need to connect internationally to tackle it,” Ubani said. “This initiative is crucial for enhancing our security capabilities.”
Oladele Fajana, another security expert, highlighted the potential benefits of the initiative in improving the synergy between security agencies and enhancing operational efficiency. He called for more arrests and prosecutions of kidnappers.
“Having a coordinating agency as proposed by the NSA will lead to better efficiency,” Fajana said. “This is a welcome development, and we need more efforts to arrest and prosecute kidnappers.”
The debate continues as the NSA pushes forward with its plans, seeking to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against kidnapping through enhanced collaboration and strategic initiatives.
