By JKNewsMedia
A STAGGERING ₦2.23 trillion was paid as ransom by Nigerians between May 2023 and April 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey revealed that 91% of kidnapping incidents during the period were motivated by ransom demands in money, goods, or other benefits.
The report indicated that about 2,235,954 cases of kidnapping were recorded nationwide, with rural areas (1,668,104) experiencing higher incidents compared to urban centres (567,850).
The North-West zone topped the chart with 1,420,307 cases, followed by North-Central with 317,837.
The South-East recorded the least with 110,432 cases.
Households affected by kidnapping revealed that 65% paid ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones.
The average ransom paid stood at ₦2,670,693. While 82.1% of victims were released, 12.8% were killed, and 3.3% remain in captivity.
The survey also highlighted regional differences in reporting rates.
The South-South had the highest at 100%, while the North-West recorded the lowest at 73.9%.
On motives, the report noted that 91% of kidnappings were for ransom, while 2.4% were linked to political, criminal, or terrorist objectives.
Personal or family disputes accounted for 2.1%, and custody disputes comprised 0.5% of cases.
The report concludes that despite government efforts to curb the menace, kidnapping remains a lucrative criminal enterprise in many parts of Nigeria.
As such, experts believe insecurity in rural areas and weak enforcement continue to fuel the trend.
