Kidnapping as an Emerging Social Crime in Nigeria: Implications for National Security

The significant impact of kidnapping and other associated crimes is becoming worrisome and perplexing and not only to Nigerians but to the international community. This has heightened the fear of foreigners especially international investors, thereby threatening the foundation of economic development. However, the precarious state of kidnapping and other social crimes in contemporary Nigeria have assumed unimaginable dimension in recent times following the increase in kidnapping for ransom, Boko-Haram terrorists' and bandits' attacks on innocent Nigerians leading to loss of many lives and properties. This paper examined the state of kidnapping, types causes, consequences or effects, and measures undertaken by government to tackle the menace. The paper also adopted economic theory and concluded that security agencies and the general public should be more proactive in curbing the prevalence of the phenomenon. The paper also recommended practical ways to curb or end kidnapping in Nigeria, to include youth empowerment, ensure affairs and better harnessed equitable distribution of resources of the country in order to promote national unity.