Nigeria has a big problem with kidnappings, which has turned into a successful crime. This happens because the country’s security is weak and there’s not enough money.
From July 2023 to June 2024, 7,568 people were kidnapped in Nigeria across 1,130 incidents. This shows that the problem is everywhere in the country.
This information comes from the report “Grim Reaping: Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry – A 2024 Update,” created by SBM Intelligence.
During this time, kidnappers asked for N10.99 billion (about $6.87 million) in ransom but only received N1.05 billion, which is just 9.5% of what they asked for.
This difference shows that kidnappers are now choosing targets less carefully. This could be because the country’s economy is getting worse.
Kidnappings are happening more often and are more deadly. During these incidents, 1,056 people were killed, which is roughly one death per kidnapping attempt.
Even though kidnappers ask for huge amounts of money, they often get paid much less because families can’t afford it.
Looking at where kidnappings mostly happen in Nigeria, the Northwest is the worst hit. States like Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have the most incidents, victims, and civilian deaths. But in the Southeast, families are more likely to pay the ransom, with 65% of ransoms demanded being paid.
Here are the top 10 states where people paid the most ransom to kidnappers between July 2023 and June 2024:
10. Kaduna
Kaduna is known for its old cities and rich culture, but it’s also a place with many kidnappings. Kidnappers asked for N1.52 billion but only got N32.07 million, which is just 2.1% of what they asked for. People are often kidnapped along the Kaduna-Abuja highway. In March, over 100 people were kidnapped in areas of Kaduna State. There were 111 incidents leading to 1,113 people being kidnapped.
9. Zamfara
Zamfara is often in the news because of crimes. Kidnappers asked for N437 million but got only N32.50 million, which is 7.4%. There were 132 incidents with 1,639 people kidnapped recently.
8. Borno
Borno faces problems with Boko Haram, and kidnappers asked for N116.10 million but received N34.24 million, about 29.5%. There were 63 incidents and 720 people were kidnapped.
7. Imo
In Imo, kidnappers asked for N10 million but got N39 million, which is 390% of what they asked for. There were 15 incidents and 30 people were kidnapped.
6. Ondo
Ondo is rich in farming. Kidnappers asked for N31 million but got N52.55 million, which is 169.5%. There were 15 incidents and 67 people were kidnapped.
5. Nasarawa
In Nasarawa, kidnappers asked for N230 million but got N55.50 million, which is 24.1%. There were 24 incidents and 113 people were kidnapped. In June, about 30 travelers, including some students, were kidnapped.
4. Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom, known for oil and festivals, saw kidnappers ask for N170 million but got N64 million, or 37.6%. There were 14 incidents and 12 people kidnapped.
3. Rivers
Rivers is an oil-rich state. Kidnappers asked for N217.50 million but got N67.70 million, or 31.1%. There were 28 incidents and 66 people kidnapped.
2. FCT (Federal Capital Territory)
FCT, Nigeria’s capital, saw kidnappers asking for N3,131 million but getting only N117.45 million, which is 3.7%. There were 70 incidents and 404 people kidnapped.
1. Anambra
Anambra had the highest ransom paid. Kidnappers asked for N400 million and got N350.20 million, or 87.6%. There were 29 incidents and 46 people kidnapped.