Highway Kidnapping and Transportation Security along the Abuja–Kaduna Corridor in Kaduna State, Nigeria: An Assessment of Security Challenges, 2024–2026

Abstract

Kidnapping has become serious security problem in Nigeria, especially in the North-West. This study employs quantitative analysis of incident data to analyze the incidence of highway kidnapping and transport security on the Abuja-Kaduna axis of Kaduna State from 2024 to mid-2026. Based on media reports, police data and spatial information, trends, temporal patterns, attack rates and numbers of victims were examined. Available evidence indicates a decrease in the number of incidents in 2025 with a slight rise in early 2026, which mirrors the trend of reducing incidents as seen in other studies following a peak between 2019-2021. The key result areas identified by the geospatial analysis are similar to previous analyses, including the identification of seasonal peaks (such as in 2024 Q2) and persistent hotspots (e.g. Rijana, Katari) along the route. Socio-economic drivers (poverty, youth unemployment) and low state presence make banditry possible. Resurgence of kidnappings on this important transport corridor show continuities (e.g. ambushes in forested areas) and changes (e.g. the move to semi-urban areas). This study concludes that although improved highway patrol efforts slowed the spread of Kidnap For Ransom, a combination of strong highway police patrol, community intelligence and community-based socioeconomic measures (echoing the suggestion for “spatial intelligence” and for community structures) may be needed to effectively counter criminal gangs. This study highlights the need to address the observable trends of the incidents as well as the causes of the incidents in order to ensure the commuter safety and security of the Abuja-Kaduna expressway.