A new report from SBM Intelligence, a security intelligence and strategic consulting firm, has revealed that Nigerians paid N1.04 billion in ransom to kidnappers over the past year.
The report documents that 7,568 people were abducted across the country during this period.
Titled “Grim Reaping,” the report underscores the severity of Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis, noting that while kidnappers initially demanded a total of N11 billion, only a fraction—N1.048 billion—was actually paid.
The report attributes the rise in kidnappings for ransom to the country’s economic challenges, leading to a broader range of victims being targeted.
The data shows that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded the highest ransom demands, followed by Lagos and Kaduna.
The Southeast region saw the highest amounts paid and the most successful ransom collections. The report also highlights a disturbing trend where kidnappers increasingly demand in-kind payments, such as food, drinks, cigarettes, or motorcycles, depending on the region.
Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina states reported the highest number of kidnapping incidents, with Zamfara alone recording 132 incidents involving 1,639 victims.
The report also reveals that kidnapping has become more lethal, with 1,056 deaths recorded in 1,130 incidents over the past year.
The report further notes that while the southern regions of Nigeria have seen a modest increase in kidnapping incidents, the northern regions have experienced a sharp escalation. Women have also been increasingly targeted in these abductions.
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