Growing commercialisation of kidnapping for ransom is threatening Nigeria’s efforts to build peaceful communities, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has said, warning that insecurity is becoming a wider governance and development crisis.

CISLAC Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, raised the concern while presenting the 9th Nigeria SDG 16 Shadow Report at a United Nations General Assembly side event in New York.

The report, covering July 2025 to August 2026, identifies insecurity, particularly kidnapping for ransom, as a major obstacle to Nigeria’s progress on SDG 16, which focuses on peace, justice and strong institutions.

Rafsanjani said the commercialisation of kidnapping goes beyond individual security incidents.

He said it affects freedom of movement, economic activity, human rights and citizens’ confidence in the ability of the state to protect them.

He added that citizens could not enjoy peaceful and inclusive societies when they could not live, work or travel without fear.

CISLAC said the kidnapping crisis also exposes weaknesses in Nigeria’s institutions.

It noted that weak enforcement, inconsistent implementation and concerns over political interference continue to undermine institutions responsible for protecting citizens and enforcing the law.

The report also raised concerns about the judiciary, security agencies and electoral bodies, warning that institutional weaknesses could further erode public confidence.

According to CISLAC, security failures become more damaging when threats are not effectively prevented, investigated and prosecuted.