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The newly inaugurated anti-kidnapping Fusion cell aims to address rampant kidnapping issues that have plagued Nigeria in recent years. With a startling number of kidnapping cases reported from 2013 to 2023, the initiative seeks to provide a targeted and coordinated approach to combating these crimes. According to recent reports, a staggering 1.48 billion Naira was reportedly paid in ransoms between July 2023 and June 2024.
The security cell will operate under the National Counterterrorism Center, working to proactively address the underlying causes of kidnappings. Ribadu's remarks during the inauguration showcased a commitment to end the cycle of ransom payments that often ensnare victims' families.