Nigerians Paid ₦2.56 Billion in Ransoms to Kidnappers in One Year

Kidnapping-for-ransom has continued to plague Nigeria, with fresh data revealing that victims and their families paid a staggering ₦2.56 billion to secure the release of abducted persons within the space of one year.

The report highlights how criminal groups across the country have turned abduction into a lucrative trade, targeting individuals in both rural and urban areas.

Victims ranged from ordinary citizens to professionals and business people, with families often forced to pool resources, sell assets, or borrow money to meet ransom demands.

The disturbing trend underscores the rising insecurity challenges facing Nigeria. Kidnapping incidents have been recorded across nearly all regions, with the North-West, North-Central, and parts of the South notably affected. In many cases, ransom amounts varied widely, with some families paying as little as a few hundred thousand naira, while others were forced to deliver millions.

Security experts say the billions of naira funneled into criminal hands each year not only strengthen armed groups but also undermine public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens.

The figures further reflect the heavy economic and psychological toll that kidnappings have placed on households nationwide.

Analysts have continued to call for stronger intelligence-gathering, improved policing, and community-based security strategies to curb the menace.

They warn that without decisive action, the cycle of abductions and ransom payments could escalate further, putting more Nigerians at risk and draining resources that could otherwise support livelihoods and national development.