Fighting kidnapping using Artificial Intelligence

In Nigeria, despite the relentless efforts of security agencies, kidnapping remains a grave crime, posing persistent threats to citizens, particularly the affluent and those perceived to be well-off in society. Initially, the kidnappers had specific targets in mind. However, the landscape has shifted. The ever-evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools provides an opportunity for Nigerian security agencies to augment their conventional methods and effectively combat the alarming issue of kidnapping.

Addressing the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria requires a comprehensive, multidimensional approach that encompasses both traditional and technological strategies. Conventional approaches have been deployed by security agencies over the years, but the severity of kidnapping necessitates the integration of cutting-edge AI tools to fortify these efforts.

By combining conventional and technological approaches, there is a higher likelihood of curbing the rise of this societal menace. The deployment of cutting-edge AI tools presents a diverse set of capabilities that can yield positive outcomes, potentially putting a halt to or significantly reducing the incidence of kidnapping in the country. In essence, Nigerian security agencies have the opportunity to leverage these advanced AI tools to address not only kidnapping but also various forms of insecurity plaguing the nation. I start with geospatial data analysis.

Numerous tools are available for the collection of geospatial data, including satellite imagery services, unmanned aerial vehicles, and remote sensing satellites. It is imperative for security agencies in Nigeria to leverage these technologies effectively to gather geospatial data for all the 36 states, including Abuja. To streamline this process, a dedicated unit should be established located in one of the security agencies’ head offices for the purpose of geospatial data collection across the country, with a specific focus on individual states based on unit location. The geospatial data collected can be subjected to analysis using AI-powered algorithms, aiding Nigerian security agencies in identifying unusual gatherings, suspicious movements, and clusters of individuals engaged in suspicious activities around hilly, water bodies, forests, city centres, flat land and crowded areas.

Moreover, the technology is valuable for mapping and comprehending the geographic patterns of kidnapping incidents nationwide.

These geospatial tools can play a pivotal role in the strategic planning and execution of rescue operations, route optimisation, and ensuring swift responses to reported incidents of insecurity. Through the analysis of the spatial distribution of past kidnapping incidents, AI algorithms can pinpoint high-risk areas, allowing authorities to deploy resources more efficiently. Such a sophisticated analysis is beyond the capabilities of manual processes, emphasising the necessity of embracing AI advanced technologies for enhanced effectiveness and efficiency.

Over the years, Nigerian security agencies have diligently gathered data on kidnapping incidents nationwide. Traditionally, these data have been manually analysed to identify hotspots and patterns. However, manual analysis is a laborious and time-consuming process that often falls short in uncovering intricate hidden patterns within the data. To address these limitations, there is a compelling need to leverage advanced AI technology. One such technology is the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT), an AI tool that can be designed to analyse vast amounts of natural language data, such as English. This tool offers significant advantages in combating kidnapping due to its capacity to identify patterns, locations, and potential threats within the data. The GPT can play a pivotal role in assisting Nigerian security agencies by anticipating and proactively preventing kidnapping. Its analytical capabilities extend to the extensive data already at the disposal of security agencies, as well as activities on social networks. By deploying this AI tool, security authorities can efficiently identify potential hotspots and individuals at risk. Recognising patterns and trends becomes more accessible with the GPT, enabling authorities to allocate resources more strategically. The proactive intervention facilitated by this technology can empower security agencies to thwart kidnapping attempts more effectively, reinforcing their overall efforts in maintaining public safety.

Traditional CCTV cameras commonly found in various locations in Nigeria have inherent limitations in functionality. To overcome these limitations, authorities can enhance surveillance capabilities by adopting AI-driven surveillance systems integrated with advanced video analysis. This proactive approach involves deploying such advanced systems in nearly all public spaces across the country.

The integration of AI-driven surveillance systems with video analysis plays a pivotal role in the continuous monitoring of public spaces. These systems are designed to identify and analyse activities in real-time, significantly improving the effectiveness of surveillance efforts. By utilising video analytics, these systems can detect anomalies, such as unusual crowd behaviour or the presence of known criminals, triggering immediate alerts.

The real-time nature of AI-driven surveillance allows for swift reactions from the general public or security around the area as they become aware of potential security threats. This instant awareness empowers individuals to alert security agencies promptly, contributing to a more responsive and collaborative approach to maintaining public safety in Nigeria.

Frequently, security agencies resort to displaying images of wanted kidnappers and terrorists at various public locations, including roadblocks, marketplaces, public buildings, and media outlets such as newspapers and TV stations. While this conventional method has proved effective on several occasions in facilitating the arrest of wanted individuals, its overall efficiency remains limited. A more advanced and efficient approach involves the deployment of facial recognition technology in public spaces. This technology can systematically screen individuals in public areas, swiftly identifying and tracking wanted persons associated with kidnapping or other criminal activities. By harnessing the capabilities of facial recognition, authorities can enhance their ability to locate and apprehend kidnappers, significantly improving the effectiveness of the security agencies’ efforts.

The adoption of AI tools by Nigerian security agencies, as proposed, holds the potential for a substantial leap forward in the ongoing battle against kidnapping and other crimes.

Despite the fact that the AI tools are powerful technology for the security agencies, it is imperative to maintain a delicate balance in the fight against kidnapping. Ethics in using AI tools, privacy of citizens, and the security of law-abiding citizens must be prioritised. Implementing AI tools requires a commitment to responsible use, ensuring that the technology serves as a force for good rather than compromising individual rights or security. By embracing a holistic approach that combines technological advancements with ethical standards, Nigeria can bolster its efforts to combat kidnapping and create a safer and more secure environment for its citizens and businesses to flourish.