Post by John Okiyi Kalu (@JOK)

When Insecurity Becomes an Industry

After listening to Samaila Kaigama and Senator Ali Ndume, one thought stayed with me: insecurity and kidnapping in parts of northern Nigeria appear to have evolved into a lucrative criminal enterprise.

Those of us from the South East have seen what happens when kidnapping becomes commercialized. Once criminal networks discover that violence pays, dismantling them becomes a long and difficult battle.

It was remarkable to hear Samaila confidently claim that Boko Haram was on a “40-day break” following negotiations. Equally remarkable was Senator Ali Ndume’s unusually subdued and defensive posture during the interview. He also acknowledged being involved with Samaila and, by implication, the negotiation process.

If negotiations or ransom payments are securing the release of some victims, then every effort should be made to secure the freedom of everyone still in captivity. No family should be left behind.

But one thing is certain: Nigeria cannot defeat insecurity if kidnapping remains a profitable enterprise. Criminal syndicates must be dismantled, their financiers exposed, and everyone involved in sustaining this evil brought to justice.

If insecurity has truly become commercialized, as suggested by some of the individuals involved in these discussions, then the continued kidnapping of schoolchildren and other innocent Nigerians will remain a tragic reality unless the business model is broken.

Shameful. Absolutely shameful.

-JOK

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