One Means, Multiple Ends: A Strategic Framework of Understanding Kidnapping in Nigeria

There is growing academic attention for kidnapping in Nigeria, although most studies on the subject are characterised by limited thematic and geographical focuses, which have left the study area with weak basis for generalisation at the national level. Accordingly, kidnapping is often treated as a homogenous strategy in Nigeria, instead of one means that leads to multiple ends. After a review of extant literature on kidnapping and its typology in Nigeria, this chapter provides a strategic framework for understanding the subject. This is premised on the variations in the organisation of the actors that are involved in kidnapping in Nigeria, their (immediate, medium and ultimate) objectives, capacity to articulate political agenda, support for societal demands, mobilisation through strategic communication, and operational terrains. In the final analysis, this chapter broadly classifies kidnapping in Nigeria into insurgent (with terrorists, militants and guerrillas as actors) and non-insurgent (involving politicians, political parties and thugs, armed bandits, sea robbers and pirates, human traffickers, baby factories, fraudsters and ritualists). A framework of understanding the strategies and tactics of kidnapping in their various forms in Nigeria is important for academic generalisation, and effective responses of the victims and their relatives, the civil society groups, media, government and security forces.