Between the period of July 2022 and June 2023, at least 3,620 persons were abducted in 582 kidnap-related incidents across Nigeria, a new report has revealed.
It shows that the number is more than the 3,420 people that were kidnapped between the periods of July 2021 – June 2022.
According to the report by an Africa-focused geopolitical research and strategic communications consulting firm, SBM Intelligence, titled: ‘The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry”, at least five billion naira ($6.4 million as of June 30) were reported as ransom demands, while verified ransom pay-outs amounted to N302 million ($387,179), a figure potentially underestimated due to underreporting.
It said the kidnapped figures reflect Nigeria’s security agencies’ struggle to contain kidnap for ransom. “Yet, the number of kidnappers killed has not served as a credible deterrent for would-be kidnappers”. It added that the rising kidnap incidents show the industry’s profitability outweighs the perceived threat of state intervention and police rescues.
SBM also revealed that the North-Central region recorded higher ransom amounts, notably in Nasarawa state, where targeted abductions yielded maximum ransoms with minimal resistance.
It said the South-South’s low ransom payments may indicate efficient police intervention or victim silence. The report added that at the state level, Edo kidnappers sought high ransoms but received little while victims in Taraba paid the most, primarily due to a single incident. Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger had the highest per capita abduction rates, often involving mass community abductions.
Borno reported minimal deaths due to Boko Haram’s targeted and sophisticated tactics. And across the country, civilians bore the brunt, with 430 fatalities, while security agents and kidnappers themselves accounted for 19 and 121 deaths, respectively.
SBM projects that the current harsh economic climate is likely to lead to a hike in ransom demands, endangering the lives of victims whose families cannot meet exorbitant requests.
