A recent report by SBM Intelligence reveals that from July 2023 to June 2024, over 1,000 Nigerians lost their lives in kidnapping incidents, while their captors demanded nearly N11 billion in ransom.
This period saw at least 7,568 individuals abducted in 1,130 separate incidents across Nigeria, the report disclosed.
According to SBM Intelligence, kidnappers sought a total of N10,995,090,000 (about $6.87 million) in ransom but received only N1,048,110,000, which represents just 9.5% of their demands.
This stark discrepancy suggests that kidnappers have become more indiscriminate in their targets. The report, titled “From Reaping: Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnapping Industry,” highlights a troubling rise in the lethality of these crimes.
Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina states reported the highest number of kidnapping incidents, with Zamfara alone recording 132 incidents and 1,639 victims.
The same regions also reported the most civilian deaths. “This year, as in previous years, kidnappers have continued to demand in-kind payments from victims’ families, ranging from food, drinks, and cigarettes in the South to motorcycles in the North,” SBM said
The report notes that in the past year, each kidnapping attempt has resulted in a fatality on average.
The Federal Capital Territory and Lagos were among the areas with the highest ransom demands, while the Southeast had the highest ransom payments and collection rates.
The report also observed a disturbing trend where kidnappers are increasingly breaking trust, with several ransom carriers killed or abducted. Stated, “If this trend persists, it may get more challenging to find people eager or willing to deliver ransoms on behalf of victims,” the report added.
The analysis indicates a sharp increase in kidnapping incidents in the North compared to previous years. In the first half of the year alone, 135 mass abductions were reported, involving at least five victims each, leading to 125 deaths.
The report underscores that as economic conditions worsen, more individuals are resorting to kidnapping for survival.
SBM Intelligence calls for urgent, coordinated efforts to disrupt the financial flows supporting these criminal activities to prevent them from becoming an entrenched norm in Nigeria.
