Abstract

The rising incidence and prevalence of kidnapping in Nigeria have continually generated concern in both academic and non-academic circles The phenomenon of kidnapping constitutes a serious threat to life and serves as a major drawback to the nation s drive for sustainable economic growth anchored on direct foreign investment The paper relies on both primary and secondary sources and notes that kidnapping is caused by grinding poverty spiraling unemployment the criminal quest for material acquisition and a weak security system The paper recommends the initiation of pro-poor poverty eradication programs creation of employment opportunities strengthening of the security architecture enactment of appropriate laws and the adoption of capital punishment to stem the tide of kidnapping which has become a lucrative crime in 21st century Nigeria