Unemployment: A Driving Force toward Kidnapping in Sokoto and Zamfara States, Nigeria

The problem of kidnapping has assumed an alarming dimension in Nigeria, leading to loss of lives, properties and money, and has a negative impact on the socio-economic aspects of Nigeria. This paper examined the nexus between unemployment and kidnapping in Sokoto and Zamfara states. Data were gathered from both primary and secondary sources, the primary data were gathered through interviews, while the secondary data were sourced from both published and unpublished research. The findings of this research revealed that most of the convicted kidnappers confessed that they were unemployed, looking for a way to survive, and if there was no good way to stay alive, evil was the only option. Many youths have joined criminal groups due to unemployment. The paper recommended, amongst others, that the Government of Sokoto and Zamfara states should design empowerment programmes to target youths who are involved in abductions and kidnappings out of economic frustration caused by unemployment. The paper also suggested that socio-cultural transformation through a rebranding project for moral sensitisation should be carried out in the study area, because a morally sensitised individual is less likely to be troubled or worried by a lack, to the extent of seeking wealth through criminal means.