Kidnapping in Nigeria has become an increasingly alarming issue over the past year, with the numbers reflecting a dire security situation. From July 2023 to June 2024, more than 7,500 people were abducted across the country, marking a significant rise in such incidents under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The country’s security challenges have worsened, with various groups—ranging from armed gangs to extremist organizations—exploiting the government’s inability to maintain control over its territories.Kidnapping for ransom has emerged as a major concern, impacting nearly every region of Nigeria.
Armed groups, including Boko Haram, secessionist movements, and other criminal networks, have turned abductions into a thriving industry. The statistics paint a grim picture: 7,568 individuals were kidnapped in 1,130 reported incidents over a year.While kidnappers demanded a staggering ₦11 billion (roughly $6.87 million) in ransom payments, only ₦1.05 billion (approximately $656,000) was successfully paid. This decline in ransom payments compared to previous years could suggest that criminals are now targeting a broader range of victims, including those who may not have the financial capacity to meet exorbitant ransom demands.Certain states in Nigeria have become hotspots for kidnappings, with Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina bearing the brunt of these incidents.
These three states alone accounted for thousands of victims:Zamfara: 132 incidents, 1,639 victimsKaduna: 111 incidents, 1,113 victims. Katsina: 119 incidents, 887 victims
These states have also seen a high number of casualties linked to kidnapping incidents. Tragically, the data reveals that 1,056 people lost their lives in these cases, which means nearly every reported incident included at least one fatality. Civilians made up the majority of those killed, with 740 deaths recorded.
Security forces also suffered losses, with 42 personnel killed in attempts to rescue victims or confront kidnappers.Kidnapping incidents are not confined to the northern regions; they have spread nationwide. States like Niger, Sokoto, and Borno in the north, as well as Benue, Enugu, and Delta in the south, reported significant abductions. Even relatively peaceful states like Lagos and Ekiti were not entirely spared. Below is a detailed breakdown of kidnapping incidents across the country from July 2023 to June 2024:.
Zamfara: 1,639 kidnapped in 132 incidents Kaduna: 1,113 kidnapped in 111 incidents Katsina: 887 kidnapped in 119 incidents Federal Capital Territory (FCT): 404 kidnapped in 70 incidents Sokoto: 487 kidnapped in 67 incidents Borno: 720 kidnapped in 63 incidents Niger: 689 kidnapped in 48 incidents. Other states also reported troubling figures, such as Enugu with 31 incidents (84 victims), Ogun with 30 incidents (88 victims), and Rivers with 28 incidents (66 victims).
Even Lagos, a bustling economic hub, recorded seven incidents with 11 victims.The human cost of this kidnapping crisis is staggering. Beyond the trauma of abduction, many cases have turned deadly. Over 1,000 people lost their lives in kidnapping-related incidents during the year, with an alarming number of civilians killed either during the abductions or as part of the violence that surrounded them.
Additionally:740 civilians were killed.274 kidnappers were neutralized by security forces or rival groups.42 security agents died in the line of duty.The high casualty rate underlines the growing brutality of kidnappers and the challenges faced by security agencies in combating this menace.Several issues have contributed to the rise in kidnappings across Nigeria.
Weak governance, poor law enforcement, and a lack of accountability have created an environment where criminals operate with impunity. The proliferation of arms and the growing influence of extremist groups have also exacerbated the problem.
Economic hardship is another driving factor. With unemployment and poverty rates at troubling levels, some individuals resort to criminal activities such as kidnapping to make ends meet. This economic desperation, coupled with the government’s inability to address these challenges effectively, has allowed kidnapping to flourish.
Addressing Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis will require a multi-faceted approach. Immediate steps should include:Strengthening Security Forces: Providing better training, equipment, and resources to the police and military to respond effectively to kidnapping incidents.Community Policing:
Encouraging collaboration between local communities and law enforcement to identify and apprehend kidnappers.Economic Support: Implementing policies that address poverty and unemployment to reduce the number of individuals turning to crime.Intelligence Gathering: Investing in technology and intelligence networks to track and dismantle criminal organizations involved in kidnapping.In the long term, improving governance and addressing corruption within security agencies will be critical to restoring trust and ensuring the safety of citizens.
The surge in kidnappings highlights the precarious security situation in Nigeria. With over 7,500 people abducted in just one year, the country faces a crisis that demands urgent attention. For the affected families, the trauma of losing loved ones—or the financial strain of paying ransoms—will leave lasting scars. For the nation, the kidnapping epidemic is a stark reminder of the need to rebuild trust, strengthen institutions, and create a safer environment for all citizens.
