New report reveals Nigerians paid N1.04 billion ransom to kidnappers in 12 months

A new report released by security intelligence gathering and strategic consulting firm, SBM Intelligence, has revealed that Nigerians paid ₦1.04 billion in ransom to kidnappers in one year.

In a report released Thursday, the company said 7,568 people were kidnapped in 1,130 incidents across the country between July 2023 and June this year.

He added that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had the highest ransom demands, followed by Lagos and Kaduna.

SBM Intelligence revealed that at least one person is killed every time a kidnapping attempt occurs in the country.

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At 1,130 kidnapping cases, the firm said Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina had the highest number of incidents and victims.

The report reads: “Of the 1,130 reported kidnapping cases, Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina had the highest number of incidents and casualties. Zamfara recorded 132 incidents with 1,639 victims, Kaduna recorded 113 incidents with 1,113 victims, and Katsina reported 119 incidents with 887 victims.

“These three states also had the highest number of civilian deaths. In the year under review in this report, kidnappings became more deadly, with 1,056 people killed in 1,130 reported kidnapping incidents.

“During the same period, the kidnappers demanded at least ₦10,995,090,000 (about $6,871,931) in ransom but received ₦1,048,110,000, or only 9.5% of the money demanded, indicating that the kidnappers are no longer targeted in their victimology.

“When comparing geopolitical zones, the Southeast region has the highest overall ransom paid and collection rates.

“This year, as in previous years, kidnappers continue to demand payment in kind from victims’ families, ranging from food, drinks and cigarettes in the South to motorbikes in the North.

“More than four ransom payers have been killed, and three more kidnapped this year, and if this trend continues, it will become increasingly difficult to find people eager or willing to pay ransom on behalf of the victims.”

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