Nigeria’s kidnap-for-ransom crisis generated at least N2.57 billion for criminal groups between July 2024 and June 2025, according to SBM Intelligence’s report, The Year Ahead at an Inflexion Point. During the period, kidnappers demanded approximately N48 billion but received only a fraction of that amount.
The report recorded 4,722 abductions across 997 incidents, resulting in 762 deaths, highlighting how kidnappings have evolved into a structured, profit-driven industry.
Despite higher naira ransom demands, currency depreciation meant kidnappers earned only $1.66 million, slightly above the $1.13 million collected in 2022.
The Northwest dominated kidnapping activity, accounting for 42.6% of incidents and 62.2% of victims.
Zamfara State recorded the highest number of victims (1,203), followed by Kaduna and Katsina. Mass abductions incidents involving five or more victims constituted 23% of cases and were largely concentrated in northern states.
The report also highlighted escalating violence accompanying kidnappings, with large-scale attacks and massacres reported across Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, Katsina, Kebbi, and Sokoto States.
SBM Intelligence warned that the growing ransom economy is now an organized enterprise, posing economic risks, undermining state authority, and worsening local insecurity.
High-profile incidents, such as the St. Mary’s Catholic School abduction in Niger State, where over 300 students and 12 teachers were kidnapped, underscore the urgent need for action.
In response, President Bola Tinubu recently increased Nigeria Police Force recruitment from 30,000 to 50,000 to tackle rising security challenges