The Federal Government is considering the reintroduction of a stricter cashless policy as part of efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities across the country.
Security sources said the proposal is being reviewed alongside ongoing military and intelligence operations aimed at dismantling kidnapping networks and disrupting their sources of funding.
The sources disclosed that limiting the use of cash could make it more difficult for kidnappers and other criminal groups to receive ransom payments without detection.
According to the officials, many criminal organisations prefer cash transactions because they leave little or no financial trail, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace payments and identify those involved.
They explained that ransom payments processed through formal financial channels are easier to monitor and investigate, thereby providing valuable intelligence for security agencies.
The sources noted that strengthening the cashless policy could improve the ability of authorities to track suspicious financial transactions and uncover criminal networks operating across the country.
Speaking on the development, security analyst Mr Iyke Odife described kidnapping for ransom as one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges.
Odife said victims of kidnapping now cut across various segments of society, including farmers, students, travellers, traditional rulers and residents of rural communities.
According to him, the widespread use of cash in the economy has continued to provide opportunities for criminal groups to receive and move ransom payments without attracting attention from security agencies.
He argued that reducing cash-based transactions could significantly limit the operational freedom of kidnappers and other organised criminal groups.
“The heavy reliance on cash makes it easier for criminal elements to collect and transfer ransom money without leaving a trace.
“A more robust cashless system could help security agencies track illicit financial flows and strengthen efforts to combat kidnapping,” he said.
The move comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country, where kidnapping for ransom has remained a major threat despite ongoing security operations.
Analysts, however, stress that any strengthened cashless policy should be accompanied by improved digital infrastructure, financial inclusion measures and enhanced cybersecurity to ensure its effectiveness.
The Federal Government is yet to make an official announcement on the scope and timeline of the proposed policy.
