A recent intelligence report by SB Morgan has unveiled the alarming surge in kidnapping incidents in Nigeria, revealing that a staggering 3,620 persons fell victim to 582 separate kidnapping cases across the country, between July 2022 and June 2023.
The report titled “The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry: Follow the Money,” disclosed these figures.
The report sheds light on the economic dimension of the crisis, pointing out that kidnappings have been accompanied by ransom demands of at least N5 billion, with an actual sum exceeding N302 million.
However, it is noted that the actual ransom payments could be even higher due to underreporting.
The most concerning aspect is the tragic loss of life, with civilians bearing the brunt of the situation, resulting in 430 fatalities. Security agents faced 19 deaths, and kidnappers themselves experienced 121 casualties.
GOOD EVENING NIGERIA reports that against the backdrop of Nigeria’s struggling economy, rising inflation, and high unemployment rates, various violent groups like Boko Haram, Islamic State of West Africa, Ansar terrorists, bandits, sea pirates, and separatist agitators like the Independent People of Biafra _ have engaged in the kidnapping-for-ransom industry.
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A related report revealed that Nigeria citizens continue to bear the cost of insecurity.with their lives. From April to June 2023, there are 2,206 reported deaths resulting from various violent activities, including banditry, terrorism, armed robberies, abductions, and gang clashes, according to a report published by the Enough is Enough organisation (EiE).
Borno and Benue States suffered the most casualties, with 470 and 288 lives lost, respectively.
Meawhile, the SB Morgan intelligence report delves into the nuances of the kidnapping landscape across different states. While Edo State has experienced high ransom demands with minimal returns, Taraba State stands out for its high ransom payments.
Kaduna, Niger, and Zamfara have been identified as hotspots for kidnappings, frequently involving mass community abductions. Borno, on the other hand, recorded fewer deaths, likely due to the sophisticated tactics of Boko Haram.
“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 Northwest and Northcentral 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 in part.
It further stated that Catholic priests, previously targeted for their ransom value, encountered 21 abductions during this period.
It added, “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 Northcentral 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.”
The report highlights the economic intricacies and motivations driving this surge in kidnapping. It draws a direct link between the country’s economic challenges and the exponential growth of the kidnap-for-ransom industry.
The report concludes by urging increased vigilance and proactive measures to curb the escalating trend.
