The alarming disclosure that 762 Nigerians lost their lives to kidnappers across 4,722 abduction cases within the past year has intensified fears about personal security in the country. This grim statistic, unveiled by the geopolitical research firm SB Morgan, paints a picture of Nigeria’s security crisis escalating into a near-war scenario, with no clear signs of governmental success in curbing the menace.
What makes this situation even more harrowing is that the victims are predominantly innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of ruthless criminals. Many perished because they were unable to meet the ransom demands, while others died during captivity or in attempts to escape. Tragically, some were killed despite their families paying the ransom. This rampant insecurity persists despite Nigeria’s extensive security forces, including the military and police, highlighting a glaring failure in protection.
Kidnapping is just one facet of Nigeria’s broader security challenges, which also include terrorism that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions from their homes. The rapid deterioration of safety threatens the nation’s future, underscoring the urgent need for the government to adopt effective and sincere measures to combat kidnapping, which has severely tarnished Nigeria’s international image.
According to SB Morgan’s report, “Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnapping Industry,” kidnappers demanded over ₦48 billion in ransom between June 2024 and June 2025, though only ₦2.57 billion was paid. The Northwest region emerged as the hotspot for violent kidnappings, while the South South and South East experienced kidnappings characterized by religious targeting and financial extortion. The report reveals that kidnapping has evolved into a sophisticated and widespread criminal enterprise, with ransom payments surging dramatically-from ₦653.7 million in 2022, dipping to ₦302 million in 2023, then climbing sharply to ₦1.05 billion in 2024, and reaching ₦2.5 billion in the latest figures.
Examining the states most affected, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina recorded the highest kidnapping incidents and victim counts. Katsina led with 131 abduction cases, while Zamfara had the largest number of kidnapped individuals at 1,203, representing 25.4% of the national total. Kaduna reported 123 cases, Niger 40, and Delta-the only southern state in the top five-had 49 incidents.
Notably, Delta state witnessed the highest ransom demand, with kidnappers seeking ₦30 billion for the release of Chidimma, Precious Enuma, and their aunt, Anwuri Okoye, in Okwuani Local Government Area. This data underscores that four of the five most affected states are located in the northern region.
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to life under Section 33, making these killings and abductions a grave infringement on fundamental human rights. Additionally, Section 41(1) affirms every citizen’s freedom of movement within the country, a right blatantly violated by the rampant kidnappings. The extortion of ransom payments further compounds this criminality, stripping Nigerians of their resources through coercion.
It is the government’s paramount duty to safeguard its citizens from such heinous crimes. Section 14(2) of the Constitution explicitly states that the security and welfare of the people are the government’s foremost responsibilities. This obligation is non-negotiable, as the existence of a nation hinges on the protection of its people. Failure to uphold this duty signals a state in crisis.
Nigerians cannot remain passive as innocent lives are lost with apparent impunity. The figures reported by SB Morgan reflect just one year of this brutal reality, highlighting the urgent need for decisive action. The Federal Government must collaborate closely with governors from the most affected states to develop a unified strategy to dismantle kidnapping networks, similar to successful approaches employed by countries like China to eradicate banditry.
Relying on the hope that kidnapping will diminish on its own is unrealistic. The report indicates that as economic hardships intensify and legitimate job opportunities shrink, kidnappers are emboldened to demand higher ransoms. This shift reveals that kidnapping has morphed from a symptom of weak security into a lucrative criminal enterprise. Without robust enforcement and punitive measures, kidnappers will continue to expand their operations, resulting in more victims and fatalities.
Addressing this crisis requires transcending ethnic, religious, and political biases, as these divisions only exacerbate the problem and increase the nation’s cost. Northern state governors, in particular, must prioritize education reforms to prevent vulnerable youths, such as Almajiris, from being recruited into kidnapping or terrorist activities. Experts recommend disrupting kidnappers’ financial channels using advanced tracking technologies to cut off their ransom-derived income.
Furthermore, the Federal Government must tighten border security in the North, where many criminals appear to infiltrate the country. Suspected kidnappers detained by authorities should face prompt trials and, if found guilty, receive appropriate sentences to deter others. Nigeria must reclaim control from these criminal elements.
Above all, tackling the root socio-economic causes of kidnapping is essential. Stabilizing the economy, curbing inflation, and creating employment opportunities are critical steps toward restoring security and protecting lives and property.
Specifically, empowering states to establish their own police forces and strengthening forest guards beyond nominal roles will enhance local security. The shame and suffering caused by kidnapping must end, and those responsible must be brought to justice and eliminated from society.