IMO, Nigeria – A cybersecurity expert, Loveth Odozor, has raised the alarm that kidnappers now use social media to identify and track victims.
This is even as she called for the adoption of digital safety measures to help combat the growing issues of kidnapping and insecurity in Imo State, reports The Guardian.
Odozor, who hails from Imo State with a Master’s degree from Yeshiva University in New York, United States, warned that criminal groups are leveraging digital tools like social media tracking, phone hacking, and online surveillance to pinpoint and kidnap victims with disturbing accuracy.
“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 expressed concern 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.
According to the expert, the fight against 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 recognising phishing scams.
The cybersecurity 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.
Her words: “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.”
