All roads lead to the virtual arena today Sunday, June 14, 2026, as eminent security experts and a leading advocate of fiscal transparency converge to interrogate one of Nigeria’s most troubling national challenges—the growing kidnapping economy and the effectiveness of security votes in combating insecurity.
This comes on the heels of the realisation that kidnapping for ransom has evolved from a localized criminal enterprise into one of Nigeria’s most lucrative underground economies, spreading across virtually every region of the country. What began years ago as a tactic associated with militancy in the Niger Delta has transformed into a nationwide security crisis, with criminal gangs, bandits and other armed groups exploiting weak law enforcement, porous borders and widespread poverty to generate billions of naira annually through ransom payments.
The growing sophistication of these networks has raised concerns that kidnapping is no longer merely a crime but a thriving criminal industry sustained by a complex web of financiers, informants, negotiators and arms suppliers.
The menace has spared no segment of society. High-profile victims have included traditional rulers, politicians, business executives, religious leaders and even senior military officers. In one of the most shocking incidents, retired Army General Maharazu Tsiga was abducted by bandits in Katsina State, underscoring the audacity of criminal groups and their willingness to target individuals once considered beyond reach. Such attacks have heightened fears about the capacity of security agencies to deter kidnappers, especially as ransom demands continue to rise and criminal gangs expand their operational reach across major highways and rural communities.
Only yesterday, Nigerians were thrown into mourning following the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who reportedly died on Saturday while being held captive by bandits in Katsina State.
Particularly disturbing has been the mass abduction of schoolchildren, a trend that has drawn international condemnation and left lasting trauma on families and communities. From Oriire in Oyo State, Kankara in Katsina State to Jangebe in Zamfara and Kuriga in Kaduna State, hundreds of students have been seized from their schools and held for ransom, turning educational institutions into targets of organized criminal activity. These incidents have disrupted learning, forced school closures and deepened public anxiety about safety. As kidnapping becomes increasingly commercialized, questions are mounting about the economic incentives driving the crime, the true scale of ransom payments and the policy measures required to dismantle what many now describe as Nigeria’s kidnapping economy.
The discourse, which is the 44th edition of the popular monthly interview programme, Boiling Point Arena, will hold at 8pm and is expected to attract a huge local and international audience through Zoom participation and live broadcasts on multiple radio stations across Nigeria.
With the theme, “Nigeria’s Kidnapping Economy and National Insecurity: Are Security Votes Working? What Must Change to Make Nigerians Safe Again?”, the programme will examine the paradox of escalating insecurity despite the huge sums budgeted annually as security votes at the federal, state and local government levels.
Leading the conversation are three distinguished panelists with vast experience in security management, governance and public accountability.
They are retired Major General Ishola Williams, one of Nigeria’s most respected security strategists and public affairs commentators; retired Colonel Yomi Dare, a renowned security consultant and analyst; and Seun Onigbinde, Co- Founder of civic technology organisation, Budgit, widely acknowledged for promoting transparency, accountability and citizen engagement in public finance.
Hosted by veteran broadcaster and media professional, Dr. Ayo Arowojolu, Boiling Point Arena, has over the years distinguished itself as one of Nigeria’s foremost public policy discussion platforms, bringing together leading voices to interrogate critical national issues and proffer practical solutions.
Frontline traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof Saka Matemilola is to chair the session.
Nigeria has witnessed an alarming rise in kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes in recent years, with ransom-taking gradually assuming the character of a thriving criminal enterprise.
The development has sparked renewed public concern over the management, accountability and effectiveness of security expenditures running into trillions of naira.
The panelists are expected to provide expert insights into whether security votes have fulfilled their original purpose, why insecurity continues to fester despite huge expenditures, and the practical reforms required to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.
According to the organisers, discussions will also focus on intelligence gathering, community policing, state police, technology-driven security solutions, transparency in public spending, and strategies for dismantling the increasingly lucrative kidnapping economy.
The organisers have described tonight’s edition as a timely intervention given the widespread public anxiety over insecurity and the growing demand for accountability in the deployment of security resources.
Members of the public, policy makers, security practitioners, civil society groups, students and the media are encouraged to join the conversation and contribute to the search for lasting solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
As the nation grapples with rising concerns over safety and security, tonight’s discourse promises to provide fresh perspectives on whether security votes are delivering value and what urgent measures are needed to make Nigerians safe again.
The once-in-a-month programme begins at 8pm tonight via Zoom and will be relayed live to millions of listeners through partner radio stations and digital platforms.
The discourse will be accessible globally through Zoom, while millions of radio listeners are expected to tune in to the following radio stations; WASH 94.9FM, Sweet 107.1FM, Roots 97.1FM, Erimbe 94.7FM, Women Radio 91.7FM, Opera Tune 106.3FM and Kruzz 92.9FM, alongside a cable television station, NSTV, on GOtv Channel.
Over the years, Boiling Point Arena has hosted an impressive roll call of eminent Nigerians including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Prof. Pat Utomi, Presidential Adviser, Daniel Bwala, Prof. Toyin Falola, Prof. Wande Abimbola, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, Akogun Tola Adeniyi, Mrs Funke Egbemode, Apostle Lawrence Achudume and Prof. Farooq Kperogi among several others.
