Kidnappers in Nigeria collected more than $5 million in ransoms in a year, analysts say
Summary
Kidnappers in Nigeria collected over $5 million in ransom payments between July 2025 and June 2026, report a Lagos-based intelligence group. During this time, nearly 7,825 people were kidnapped, with incidents rising by 66% compared to the previous year.Key Facts
- Nigerian kidnappers received about 7.78 billion naira ($5.8 million) in ransom payments over one year.
- There were 7,825 kidnappings reported, a 66% increase from the year before.
- Kidnapping incidents happen about 21 times daily in Nigeria.
- Armed groups called bandits, mostly former herders and militants, carry out raids and kidnappings in northern Nigeria.
- Militants have targeted schoolchildren and civilians to pressure the government and demand ransom.
- A recent abduction involved dozens of people taken from a mosque in Niger state.
- Some kidnapping victims’ families pay large ransoms, causing financial hardship.
- The U.S. and Nigeria have created a military partnership, including sending U.S. troops and drones, to help improve security.
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