A staggering ₦2.23 trillion was paid as ransom by Nigerian families for the release of kidnap victims from May 2023 to April 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Ransom Statistics and Kidnapping Incidents
The NBS’s latest report on Crime Experience and Security Perception reveals that 65% of households impacted by kidnapping resorted to paying ransoms, averaging ₦2,670,693 per incident. The national kidnapping incidence was estimated at 2,235,954, with rural areas experiencing significantly higher numbers (1,668,104) compared to urban areas (567,850).
Geographical Distribution of Kidnappings
The North-West zone led in kidnapping cases with 1,420,307, followed by the North-Central with 317,837. The South-East had the lowest at 110,432.
Police Reporting and Outcomes
Of the households affected, 80.5% reported the kidnappings to the police. Reporting rates were highest in the South-South (100%) and lowest in the North-West (73.9%). Urban areas showed higher reporting rates than rural areas.
Victim Outcomes
From the reported cases, 82.1% of victims were released, but a somber 12.8% were killed, and 3.3% remained in captivity at the time of the report.
Motivations Behind Kidnappings
The primary motivation for kidnappings was financial gain, with 91% of cases linked to ransom demands. Political, criminal, or terrorist motives accounted for 2.4% of cases, personal or family disputes for 2.1%, and custody disputes for 0.5%.
Crime Rate by Region
The North-West region not only topped the kidnapping chart but also had the highest general crime rate at 14.4 million incidents, with the North-Central following at 8.8 million. The South-East recorded the least criminal activity with 6.18 million incidents.
The Growing Menace of Kidnapping
Kidnapping in Nigeria has evolved into a lucrative business for criminal gangs, with mass school abductions and violent outcomes becoming alarmingly common. Despite efforts by the government and security agencies, experts argue that the issue remains significantly unmitigated.
