Kidnapping in Nigeria is now so rampant that some criminals have made it a business venture. Some critics have called the criminal venture a multi-billion-naira industry. While kidnapping used to happen in the distant past, the kidnapping of hundreds of schoolgirls in Chibok in 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorist group heralded the menace. Several years later, armed bandits began to kidnap farmers and demand hefty ransoms. Since the Chibok saga, many mass kidnappings have occurred, establishing the crime as common in the country.
According to a report by an Africa-focused geopolitical risk research organization, SBM Intelligence, which was released on August 24, 2023, armed groups kidnapped at least 3,620 persons between July 2022 and June 2023, with a sum of N5 billion demanded in ransom. The number is more than the 3,420 people kidnapped between the period of July 2021 and June 2022. SBM Intelligence is particularly strong in the area of primary data gathering, and analyses of data that provides clarity relating to political, economic and social issues in Nigeria and West Africa.
Numbers could be far higher than reported in the media.
SBM report, titled “The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry,” revealed that N5 billion ($6.4 million as of June 30) was reported as ransom demand, while verified ransom payouts amounted to N302 million ($387,179). This figure is potentially underestimated due to underreporting. According to the report, the agency believes that the numbers could be far higher than reported. This is because victims’ families and the police often choose not to state whether or not a ransom was paid to procure release of the abducted.
In the few cases, when ransom payments are acknowledged, the fees are hardly disclosed. The report stated that the figures reflect Nigerian security agencies’ struggle to contain kidnap for ransom. Yet, the number of kidnappers who have been killed has not served as a credible deterrent for would-be kidnappers. Instead, more criminals venture into it, with many having highly placed people as their godfathers. The rising kidnap incidents in the country also show that the industry’s profitability outweighs perceived threat of state intervention and police rescues.
State-level statistics high of kidnapping in the country.
The organization 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 low ransom payments may indicate efficient police intervention or victim silence. It is believed that the latter is more likely as kidnap victims fear re-abduction. The report noted 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, and across the country, civilians bore the brunt, with 430 fatalities, while security agents and kidnappers themselves accounted for 19 and 121 deaths, respectively. The country numerous internal security crises have intensified for more than ten years. They have affected economic growth, particularly in the agricultural sector. The kidnapping and murder of people by Boko Haram insurgency in the North and lingering conflict between herders and farmers in North-Central Nigeria are also notable.
Nigeria ranked among the top 20 least peaceful countries.
Authors of the SBM report have said that most actors involved in the kidnapping industry as well as in other security challenges in the country employ kidnapping as a means to an end, which is financial gratification. They said that kidnapping for ransom has eclipsed other motivations for abductions, especially political reasons. The key driver is the economy. As of 2020, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported unemployment to be as high as 33.3 percent. Meanwhile, the latest Global Peace Index ranked Nigeria among the top 20 least peaceful countries in the world.
Related Link
SBM Intel: Website
3000+ kidnapped in one year, says SBM. – Intel agency says N5bn ransom was demanded in the same period. – Express your point of view.
I understand your concern about the alarming number of kidnappings and the exorbitant ransoms demanded. It is indeed a distressing situation that requires immediate attention and action. Kidnapping not only poses a threat to the safety and well-being of individuals but also undermines the overall security and stability of the society.
To effectively address this issue, it is crucial for the government to prioritize the safety of its citizens and allocate sufficient resources towards enhancing security measures. This could involve strengthening law enforcement agencies, improving intelligence gathering and sharing, and implementing proactive strategies to prevent kidnappings before they occur.
Additionally, collaboration and coordination between different security agencies, as well as international cooperation, can play a vital role in combating this menace. Sharing intelligence and best practices with other countries that have successfully dealt with similar challenges can provide valuable insights and strategies to effectively tackle the issue.
Overall, the issue of kidnapping requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. It demands the collective efforts of the government, security agencies, communities, and individuals to ensure the safety and security of our society..
Kidnapping in Nigeria is now on the increase that is bcos some hoodlums have made it a business venture a multi-billion-naira industry that’s bcos of the money they realise in the business. This hoodlums aren’t working alone they are being backed by politicians and godfathers who thrive to make the lives of the people ungovernable thereby making the country unsafe and inhabitable. The North suffers more in the hands of the Kidnappers while the south is at a minimal level perhaps due to the intervention of the police. The way out requires a collective efforts of the government, security agencies, communities, and individuals to ensure the safety and security of our country.
A strategy that tackles the immediate security issues and driving this criminal activity is necessary to eradicate abduction in Nigeria. Nigeria’s inhabitants’ safety and the quantity of kidnappings can be improved with a concentrated effort.
3000+ kidnapped in one year, says SBM. – Intel agency says N5bn ransom was demanded in the same period the quantity of kidnappings and the disturbingly high ransom demands. It is a troubling issue that requires immediate attention. In addition to endangering the victim’s safety and wellbeing, kidnapping puts society’s overall security and stability at risk.