Kidnappers are Mining Social Media to Track Victims, Cybersecurity Expert Warns

Owerri, Imo State — August 15, 2025. Cybersecurity expert Loveth Odozor has warned that kidnappers are increasingly exploiting social media and other digital tools to identify, monitor, and abduct targets with alarming precision, urging immediate adoption of stronger cyber hygiene across Imo State.

“Kidnapping is no longer just a physical crime; it now has a strong digital component,” Odozor said, noting that criminals harvest personal details people share online—travel plans, location tags, family routines—and combine them with phone hacking and basic online surveillance.

She flagged mainstream platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram as rich sources of real-time intelligence for criminals, often supplied unwittingly by users themselves. To curb the trend, Odozor called for a statewide cybersecurity strategy built on public awareness, personal responsibility, and closer collaboration between law enforcement, technologists, and government agencies.

Her recommendations include:

• Grassroots cyber-safety education for business owners, students, and rural communities.
• Promotion of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and vigilance against phishing.
• Deployment of digital forensics and analytics to detect suspicious patterns and trace criminal behavior.
• Intelligence sharing with international cybersecurity organizations to access advanced tools.

Odozor, who runs outreach programs in Nigeria and the United States, stressed that safety starts with everyday choices online. “With the right resources, knowledge, and community engagement, we can turn technology into a shield for our people, ensuring Imo State remains safe both physically and digitally.”