During an interview from 01:32 on SYMFONI TV, the Director General of the Heritage Centre, Dr. Katch Ononuju, said Nigeria’s security agencies have the capacity to trace kidnappers if they make full use of available technology. He argued that many kidnapping cases can be solved through proper investigation of phone records.
According to him, kidnappers often believe they are safe because they use newly registered SIM cards when contacting victims’ families. However, he said the device used to make those calls leaves behind important digital information that investigators can rely on.
Dr. Ononuju explained that every mobile phone has a unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. He said this identification number remains the same regardless of the SIM card inserted into the phone.
He stated, “Kidnappers Can Be Tracked Through Their Phones If Security Agencies Truly Want Results.” He maintained that once kidnappers begin making calls, security agencies already have a starting point for tracing their activities.
He said investigators should not focus only on the SIM card used during ransom negotiations. Instead, they should examine the phone itself and identify every other number that has communicated with that device.
According to him, security agencies can question people linked to those phone numbers and gradually build a network of connections that could lead them to the kidnappers. He described the process as a standard investigative method that can produce results when properly applied.
Dr. Ononuju argued that such digital tracking techniques are available to law enforcement agencies and should be used consistently in kidnapping investigations. He said this approach provides an opportunity to identify suspects before they disappear or change communication methods.
He also suggested that if investigators act quickly after the first contact from kidnappers, they stand a better chance of locating those responsible. He stressed that early action is important in preventing prolonged hostage situations.
The Heritage Centre chief said Nigeria has experienced enough kidnapping incidents to justify stronger use of technology in criminal investigations. He maintained that modern investigative tools should become part of routine security operations.
Dr. Ononuju concluded that effective use of phone data and digital evidence would strengthen efforts against kidnapping and improve the chances of bringing perpetrators to justice. He said security agencies must make better use of available investigative resources if they want more successful outcomes….See More