A Quick review of “The Trade”
“The Trade” is a Nigerian movie inspired by a true event and directed by Jade Osiberu. The film features popular actors such as Ali Nuhu, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Rita Dominic.
The story follows Eric, a notorious kidnapper who is also deeply involved in money laundering. Eric, who is Igbo by tribe, gathers a group of his kinsmen in Lagos and together they run a dangerous operation. They work with a corrupt senior police officer who acts as their informant and supplies them with information about who to kidnap and how security operatives are moving. Eric lives a luxurious life in Lagos and hides his identity so well that even the boys working for him do not know where he stays. This makes investigations and attempts to arrest him difficult and frustrating.
Everything begins to change when DCP Bukar, a Hausa officer from Abuja who commands the Intelligence Response Team, joins forces with a younger Igbo officer. Their teamwork brings an end to the criminal group and leads to the arrest of the entire team. Sadly, the young Igbo officer loses his life during the operation.
Watching the movie reminded me of the real story of Musa Kamarawa in Sokoto, a notorious kidnapper, cattle rustler, and smuggler whose actions are very similar to the character Eric.
Since the movie was released in 2023, I have watched and read many reviews. I have not seen any Igbo person complaining that the film is an attempt to tarnish the image of their tribe.
The movie sends a strong message. When our security operatives do their work with honesty and professionalism, no criminal can escape justice, no matter who he is.
I pray that one day filmmakers in Northern Nigeria will learn to tell our own stories. Our stories do not have to focus only on insecurity. They can also reflect our history, our social issues, and many other realities of life. I also hope our people will understand that art does not give life. It mirrors life. It reflects who we are and connects us to the truths we sometimes try to ignore.
Abubakar Sanni
