Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis has taken a worrying new turn after a security report revealed that kidnappers collected nearly ₦7.78 billion ($5.79 million) in confirmed ransom payments between July 2025 and June 2026.
According to the report by security consultancy SBM Intelligence, 7,825 people were kidnapped during the period, representing a 66% increase compared with the previous year. At least 1,142 people were killed in kidnapping-related violence and other attacks connected to the growing insecurity.
The report said the actual amount paid to kidnappers could be much higher because many families do not publicly disclose ransom payments. The figures were compiled from media reports, interviews and other publicly available information.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s most serious security challenges, especially in parts of the North-West, North-East and North-Central regions. Armed groups have increasingly targeted villages, schools and major roads, holding victims for weeks or months while demanding money from desperate families.
The SBM Intelligence report found that a faction of Boko Haram was responsible for a large share of the recorded ransom payments in the North-East. However, the North-West recorded a higher number of kidnapping incidents and victims.
The findings come at a particularly tense time for Nigeria, following reports of another large-scale kidnapping in Niger State. Reuters reported that President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to begin an immediate rescue operation after an armed attack in which residents said around 600 women, children and elderly people were abducted. The exact number has not been independently confirmed.
One major concern raised by the report is the impact of kidnappings on education. Schools have once again become targets in some parts of the country, creating fear among students, parents and teachers. The report noted that the resurgence of school abductions could have long-term consequences for education, farming and public confidence in the government.
The growing ransom economy is also putting enormous financial pressure on affected families. Many victims’ relatives reportedly borrow money or sell valuable possessions to raise funds for the release of loved ones. Security experts warn that frequent ransom payments could further encourage criminal groups to continue kidnapping civilians.
President Tinubu has repeatedly promised to improve security, but the recent wave of mass kidnappings has increased pressure on the government to take stronger action. The issue is expected to remain a major national concern as Nigeria approaches future political and electoral activities.
Security analysts say Nigeria needs a more coordinated strategy that not only focuses on rescuing victims but also addresses the financial networks and underlying conditions that allow kidnapping groups to operate.
