Nigerian kidnappings surge 66%, with 1,142 killed and N7.8 billion paid in ransoms: Report

Nigeria is grappling with a severe surge in kidnappings, with a new report detailing a 66% increase in abductions over a one-year period. Between July 2025 and June 2026, SBM Intelligence documented 7,825 abductions across 1,713 incidents, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,142 people. This alarming rise underscores the escalating insecurity and the devastating impact on civilian lives.

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Nigeria’s kidnap industry has undergone a fundamental shift. Between July 2025 and June 2026, no fewer than 7,825 people were abducted across 1,713 kidnap and kidnap-related incidents, a 66% increase in victims from the previous cycle, with at least 1,142 people killed.

The economic toll of these abductions is staggering, with a total of N7.8 billion paid in ransoms. Significantly, a single faction of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, collected 90% of this vast sum from just eight incidents. Two mass abductions alone accounted for N7 billion of the national ransom bill: N5 billion for 416 captives in Ngoshe, Borno State, and N2 billion for 315 pupils and staff from St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State.

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Between July 2025 and June 2026, 7,825 people were abducted, and N7.8 billion was paid. A single Boko Haram faction collected 90% of that ransom from just eight incidents, two mass abductions accounted for N7 billion.

While the total ransom demanded decreased, the amount actually paid more than tripled, indicating a shift in the dynamics of these criminal enterprises. The collection rate jumped from 5.35% to 34%. The report highlights that payment does not guarantee survival, with victims killed even after ransoms were paid in at least six cases.

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Ransom demanded fell from N48 billion to N22.9 billion, yet the amount actually paid more than tripled, from N2.56 billion to N7.78 billion. The collection rate jumped from 5.35% to 34%.

Geographically, the Northwest region bears the brunt of this crisis, recording the highest figures for incidents, victims, and deaths. Zamfara State alone saw 236 kidnapping incidents and 1,921 victims, representing nearly a quarter of the national total. The report also notes a disturbing resurgence in school abductions, exemplified by the attack in Papiri, a tactic that erodes trust in education, farming, and public safety.

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Zamfara recorded 236 kidnapping incidents and 1,921 victims, nearly a quarter of the national total. The North accounts for 93.7% of all abducted persons, while the South’s share has shrunk to just 6.3%.