A new report by SB Morgan Intelligence released on Wednesday has revealed that gunmen abducted at least 3,620 people across Nigeria between July 2022 and June 2023.
The report, entitled, “The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry: Follow the Money,” also said that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of over N5 billion ($6.5 million) during the period.
The report said that the highest number of kidnappings occurred in the North-West region, with Kaduna State recording the most incidents. Other states in the North-West that were badly affected by kidnapping include Zamfara, Katsina; and Niger which is in the North-Central.
“Between July 2022 and June 2023, 3,620 people were abducted in 582 kidnap-related incidents in the country, with a reported ransom demand of at least N5 billion and actual ransom payments of N302 million. However, this figure could be higher due to underreporting.
“Kidnap dynamics differ between individual and community cases, with less secrecy in larger-scale abductions. In some instances, kidnappers opt for non-monetary ransom, like foodstuff. Notably, the North-West and North-Central regions exhibit higher in-kind cases of ransom demands, correlating with Nigeria’s widespread poverty. Additionally, these regions have seen a surge in demands for motorcycles as part of ransom payments,” the report said.
Catholic priests, the report stated who were previously targeted for their ransom value, suffered 21 abductions during this time.
“Kaduna was the most dangerous state for priests, who were often kidnapped during services. Abductors demanded around N50 million in the past, but the Church now refrains from disclosing ransom negotiations possibly to avoid encouraging further attacks. Statewise, Edo kidnappers sought high ransoms but received little. On the other hand, Taraba paid the most, primarily due to a single case.
“The North-Central saw higher ransom amounts demanded, notably in Nasarawa, where targeted abductions yielded maximum ransom with minimal resistance. The South-South’s low ransom payments may indicate efficient police intervention or victim silence.
“The past year showed a higher likelihood of being kidnapped in Kaduna, Niger, or Zamfara, the three states recording the highest per capita abduction rates and deaths during kidnap attempts. Civilians bore the brunt of kidnap attempts around the country, with 430 casualties, while security agents and kidnappers accounted for 19 and 121 deaths, respectively,” it stated.
Since the report was released, nothing has been heard from neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the military high command.