Context: In the midst of Nigeria's most severe economic downturn in recent memory, the nation grapples with significant security concerns exacerbated by a surge in kidnappings across its troubled northern territories by Boko Haram militants.
Why are kidnappings happening in Nigeria?
- Economic challenges such as a struggling economy, high unemployment rates, and inflation, coupled with political instability in the Niger Delta, have created fertile ground for the growth of this illicit industry.
- Ransom payments have become the primary incentive for kidnappings, as successive governments have struggled to address these multifaceted security issues.
About Nigeria:
- It is a country in West Africa, which is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf of Guinea to the south in the Atlantic Ocean.
- It is the most populous country in Africa.
- Capital City: Abuja
- The largest city in Nigeria is Lagos, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world and the largest in Africa.
- It is a multinational state inhabited by more than 250 ethnic groups speaking 500 distinct languages. The three largest ethnic groups are the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo together constituting over 60% of the total population.
- Active militant groups: Boko Haram
- Nigeria is a member: Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
- Important geographical regions of Nigeria: Jos plateau, Shebshi mountains range, Sokoto and Borno plains.
