Over 2 Million Nigerians Kidnapped in One Year, Survey Reports
A recent survey reveals over 2 million kidnappings in Nigeria, with families paying $1.42 billion in ransoms within a year.
More details in the following report:
A recent survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed alarming figures regarding kidnapping in Nigeria. Between May 2023 and April 2024, more than 2 million people were abducted, with families paying a staggering $1.42 billion in ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones.
The NBS’s Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey 2024, released on December 19, indicated that approximately 600,000 Nigerians were killed during the same period, with 2.2 million reported abductions nationwide. Armed gangs, commonly referred to as bandits, were primarily responsible for the surge in violence in the northwest and north-central regions, while terror-related incidents plagued the northeast.
The report highlighted that 91% of kidnappings were motivated by ransom demands, averaging $1,700 per incident. It also noted that 82.1% of victims were released, 12.8% were killed, and 3.3% remained in captivity.
Security analysts have expressed concern over the findings, emphasizing the need for accountability within Nigeria’s security forces. With nearly 70% of households reporting murder cases, the government faces significant challenges in improving national security. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration allocated $4 billion to defense and security, marking the largest budgetary commitment to this sector.
