- Recent statistics by SB Morgen showed that 2024 has seen a rise in kidnappings, with over 1,000 lives lost in 1,130 incidents
- Mass abduction is also on the rise, with 135 incidents involving over 3,000 people and 125 deaths reported from January to June 2024
- The study further showed that Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina are the top three regions for kidnapping incidents and victims
In a recent study by SB Morgen, 2024 has seen a rise in the fatal nature of kidnappings, with 1,056 people losing their lives in 1,130 reported cases. This statistic translates to an average of one death per kidnapping attempt.
This troubling trend, characterised by the abduction of individuals for ransom, is a complex issue influenced by several socio-economic factors, including poverty. When people struggle to meet basic needs and economic opportunities are scarce, they might engage in criminal activities like kidnapping as a way to make ends meet.
7,568 abductions recorded between July 2023 to June 2024
Other contributing factors include corrupt systems, personal desperation or crises, and the enticing financial rewards of ransom payments. In some regions, the perceived high rewards with minimal risk can attract both individuals and groups to engage in this crime.
It is also worth noting that the geographical focus of these kidnappings, once limited to specific regions, has expanded and shifted. From July 2023 to June 2024, there were at least 7,568 abductions across 1,130 incidents nationwide.
Zamfara leads with 132 incidents
During this period, kidnappers sought a total ransom of ₦10,995,090,000 (around $6,871,931) but only received ₦1,048,110,000, which is 9.5% of the amount demanded.
The report also showed that Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina had the highest number of kidnapping incidents and victims among the 1,130 cases reported. Zamfara had 132 incidents with 1,639 victims, Kaduna experienced 113 incidents involving 1,113 victims, and Katsina saw 119 incidents with 887 victims.
135 mass abductions, 3,277 kidnapped from January to June
Geopolitically, the Southeast stands out with the highest overall ransom payment and collection rates. Kidnappers continue to request in-kind payments from victims’ families this year, just as they have in previous years, asking for items like food, drinks, and cigarettes in the South and motorcycles in the North.
The report showed a significant rise in mass abductions this year, with 135 incidents recorded involving the kidnapping of five or more individuals, predominantly in the North. There were 135 of these events, with a total of 3,277 individuals kidnapped and 125 deaths recorded.
Self-kidnapping for Ransom: 5 people who arranged their abduction to make money
As the country battles a surge in abductions, a number of people have been involved in staging their abductions to extort ransom from their loved ones.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the police spokesperson, disclosed a 53-year-old man and his 48-year-old wife, were arrested following a self-kidnapping discovery. TheRadar compiled cases of individuals who were involved in self-kidnapping for ransom.