CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF KIDNAPPING IN LAGOS, NIGERIA ( 2021 - 2024)

Kidnapping has become one of the fastest-growing crimes in Nigeria, posing major threat to both national security and socio-economic development. Lagos, being the country’s commercial hub, has witnessed increasing cases of abduction between 2021 and 2024, creating fear among residents, undermining public confidence in government institutions, which has continued to generate scholarly attention. This study examined the root causes, consequences, and policy challenges of kidnapping in Lagos State. Mixed design was used. Data entailed primary data, using survey and secondary data, relying on literatures and bulletins sources. Data were subjected to qualitative analysis. Unemployment, poverty, corruption, proliferation of arms, and widespread decline in moral values were driving forces behind crime. Lure to quick wealth pushed many youths kidnapping as viable alternative to education or legitimate work. Consequences of kidnapping were far-reaching. Kidnapping disrupted business operations, discouraged investment and drained household finance through ransom payments. Socially, kidnapping instilled fear, broke community trust, and inflicted psychological trauma on victims and their families. Politically, kidnapping undermined state authority, eroded public trust in security agencies, and dented Nigeria’s international image. These findings highlight the limitations of government policies, which are often weakened by poor implementation, corruption, and inadequate resourcing of security agencies. There is need to ensure holistic response, combining strengthened law enforcement with job creation, justice sector reforms, community engagement, and revival of societal values to reduce the scourge of kidnapping and create an environment where safety, peace, and sustainable development can thrive. Keywords: Kidnapping, National security, Socio-economic development, Corruption, Youth involvement, Sustainable development.