Abduction, kidnapping and hostage situations

Chapter summary

Abduction refers to any illegal, forcible capture of a person. Kidnapping refers to an abduction with the explicit purpose of obtaining something in return for the abductee’s release. This is typically a ransom payment, though perpetrators may demand political concessions. In some cases, what may ostensibly be a political cause may, in fact, be extortion. Express and virtual kidnappings are increasingly common in some regions, such as Latin America. The term ‘hostage-taking’ is used to describe a situation where the location of the abductee is known and their release depends on the fulfilment of specific demands. In a siege situation the perpetrators and their hostages have been located and surrounded by security forces, and the perpetrators threaten to kill hostages unless they are given a means of escape.

To contend with the threat of abduction, organisations need to assess who is most at risk and tailor their risk mitigation and preparedness measures to the context. Regular training, simulation exercises, appropriate resourcing, continuous learning and adaptability are essential for both prevention and response.

To reduce the risk of abduction, organisations can implement a variety of measures, including maintaining strong context awareness and fostering acceptance through open communication with relevant actors. Avoiding predictability in routines, reducing visibility (e.g. unmarked vehicles, minimal online presence), restricting staff movement, anti-surveillance awareness, utilising digital tracking tools, and fostering local community relationships can also be helpful measures. While armed protection can deter threats, it may also increase visibility and risk and therefore requires careful consideration.

Abductions usually warrant activation of an organisation’s crisis management structure and will require preparation of crisis management roles and responsibilities within the organisation (across all offices). During the early stages of a suspected abduction, organisations should quickly verify the facts, safeguard other staff, and determine whether to suspend programmes. Key actions include informing leadership and family members, engaging insurance and external experts, managing communications, documenting all actions, and ensuring financial resources are available to respond effectively. The response will follow a tailored incident response strategy that will need to be adjusted as circumstances evolve.

External abduction specialists – such as from governments, insurers or security firms – may be brought in to advise the crisis management team. While they do not make decisions or negotiate directly, their expertise, networks and objectivity can greatly support the response. However, it is important to manage potential conflicts of interest, especially with government-appointed experts whose goals may differ from those of the organisation.

Throughout an abduction incident, the organisation will need to liaise with family members and relevant authorities. A robust communications plan and media management approach are also critical in abduction scenarios.

Abduction incidents may require communicating and negotiating with perpetrators. Perpetrators’ objectives and demands can change. There are many examples of situations where the political objectives faded, leaving only a demand for money. The reverse can also be true: a criminal gang may ‘sell on’ an abductee to a politically motivated group if no ransom is forthcoming. If the perpetrators ask for political concessions from authorities, this will be beyond the organisation’s control. Organisations will often designate a ‘communicator’ to relay messages between the organisation’s crisis management team and the perpetrators. This role is distinct from that of a negotiator, as the crisis management team should retain control over negotiations.

Organisations need to be prepared in the event that security forces are engaged by authorities to obtain the release of abductees by force. An abduction can conclude with the release or death of the abductee. A case may also remain unresolved (such as if no proof of life is obtained or there is no contact from perpetrators). Aid organisations need to be prepared to deal with these scenarios. For released staff, appropriate aftercare is critical.