The Nigerian Army in Rivers State has said kidnapping is the major security challenge in the state.
The Commander, 2 Brigade the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Brigadier General Stevenson Olabanji, made this known while addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt at the weekend, saying members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, were the most vulnerable group to kidnappers.
The Brigadier General, who described the kidnappers as desperate, said most of those involved in kidnapping were young people who belong to cult groups.
“Most cases of kidnapping take place in the communities and that is why the Army need information because these boys live in communities and are known. So, we need information when it happens.
“Many of those involved in kidnapping are young people who belong to cult groups. They even demand as low as N10, 000 as ransom to free their victims,” the Brigadier General said.
“The kidnappers usually intimidate and threaten community folks, which is why some people may be afraid of giving useful information to security agencies.
Olabanji, however assured that all information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
“Within the period I have spent here in Rivers State, I have discovered that the biggest challenge the Army have here is kidnapping,” he stated.
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