Vast Northern Terrain Fuels Kidnappings, Hinders Security Response in Nigeria, Report Says

Northern Nigeria's expansive and challenging terrain significantly contributes to the prevalence of kidnappings and complicates security responses, according to a new report by SBM Intelligence. The 2026 edition of the 'Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry' report highlights a stark contrast in kidnapping figures between the northern and southern regions of the country. This disparity, the report argues, is primarily driven by the geographical characteristics of the North and the operational capacities of the groups active there.

Syndicated bandit and jihadist groups operating in the North possess a greater capacity for carrying out large-scale kidnapping operations. The vast, often sparsely populated, and difficult-to-navigate terrain provides cover for these criminal elements, making it harder for security forces to track, apprehend, and rescue victims effectively.

The report suggests that the nature of these groups, often well-armed and organized, combined with the environmental challenges, creates a fertile ground for the kidnap-for-ransom industry to thrive in the northern parts of Nigeria. This contrasts with the dynamics observed in the southern regions, where different geographical and socio-economic factors may influence the patterns of crime.