Nigeria has recorded more kidnappings in 2024 than it did in the first six months of 2023.

A report published by Enough is Enough Nigeria on Friday revealed that the country witnessed 256 kidnappings in January 2024. However, between January and June 2024, only 199 kidnappings with 1,349 victims were recorded in Nigeria, according to data gathered from the Nigeria Security Tracker.

READ ALSO: REPORT: Over 2400 Nigerians Killed, 1800 Abducted in Tinubu’s First 8 Months

The EIE report also estimated that Nigerians paid about N200 million out of the N6 billion ransom demanded by kidnappers in January. This sum exceeds the demands made by kidnappers between June 2022 and July 2023 by one billion naira.

Also, between June 2022 and July 2023, Nigeria paid N302 million in kidnapping ransom. That is, in January alone, Nigerians spent more than half of what they spent on ransom between June 2022 and July 2023.

The frequency of reported kidnappings increased steadily from 111 in 2015 and peaked in 2021 with 590 recorded incidents. In 2022, the number of kidnappings dropped to 515. In total, Nigeria recorded about 585 kidnappings between June 2022 and July 2023.

READ ALSO: REPORT: Kidnappers Held 3,620 Nigerians for N5 Billion Ransom in One Year

In their report, EIE also highlighted how security has worsened since last year despite increased budgetary allocations. The report revealed that Nigeria spent N2.9 trillion, which is about 13.4 percent of its 2023 budget, on security. This figure increased in 2024, as Nigeria allocated N3.25 trillion to security.

Meanwhile, FIJ earlier reported that more than 1800 Nigerians had been abducted since Tinubu assumed office in June 2023. According to Premium Times, about 15 people have been kidnapped in Abuja, the seat of Nigeria’s political power, this year.