Expert advocates digital safety to curb kidnapping 

A cybersecurity expert, Loveth Amarachi Odozor, has called for urgent adoption of digital safety measures as part of the fight against rising kidnapping and insecurity in Imo State. Odozor, a native of Imo with Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity from Yeshiva University New York, USA, also an advocate for cyber safety, said criminal gangs are increasingly […]

A cybersecurity expert, Loveth Amarachi Odozor, has called for urgent adoption of digital safety measures as part of the fight against rising kidnapping and insecurity in Imo State.

Odozor, a native of Imo with Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity from Yeshiva University New York, USA, also an advocate for cyber safety, said criminal gangs are increasingly using digital tools — including social media tracking, phone hacking, and online surveillance — to identify and abduct victims with alarming precision.

“Kidnapping is no longer just a physical crime; it has a strong digital component. Criminals are exploiting the personal details people share online, from travel plans to family activities,” she said.

She noted that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have become major sources of intelligence for kidnappers, with many victims unknowingly exposing their whereabouts in real time.

Odozor urged that the fight against the crime must include a robust cybersecurity strategy focusing on public awareness, personal responsibility, and collaboration between law enforcement, technology experts, and government agencies.

Her recommendations include grassroots cyber safety education targeting business owners, students, and rural communities and promotion of safe online practices such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and recognizing phishing scams.

The cyber security expert also recommended the deployment of digital forensics and analytics to monitor suspicious online activity and track criminal behaviour as well as collaboration between state authorities and international cybersecurity organisations to share intelligence and access advanced security tools.

Odozor, who engages in outreach programmes in both Nigeria and the United States, emphasised that every individual has a role to play in securing the digital space.

“With the right resources, knowledge, and community engagement, we can turn technology into a shield for our people, ensuring that Imo State remains safe both physically and digitally,” she said.