SB Morgan (SBM) Intelligence, an Africa-focused research group, has reported that at least 3,620 Nigerians were kidnapped for ransom between June 2022 and July 2023.

In its report published on Wednesday, SBM Intelligence stated that Nigerians paid N302 million out of a cumulative N5 billion ransom demand. SBM Intelligence’s report, titled ‘The Economics of Kidnapping’, got data on abducted persons from every region in Nigeria except Yobe State.

This report also highlighted poor economy, through food poverty and unemployment, as the major drivers for the rise in kidnapping in Nigeria. About 570 people have lost their lives in kidnap incidents between 2022 and 2023, according to the report.

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KEY FINDINGS IN THE REPORT

1. Civilians suffer the highest mortality in kidnap incidents. About 75% of the deaths in kidnap cases were civilians. Out of 570 deaths, there were 430 civilians, 121 kidnappers and 19 security agents.
2. Around 582 reported kidnap cases were reported between June 2022 and July 2023.
3. The northwestern part of Nigeria witnessed the most kidnap incidents in this one-year time frame. No less than 1,921 people, which was more than 50%, of the 3,820 were kidnapped in the North West.
4. Taraba State gave away the highest amount of money, about N60 million, in ransom to kidnappers.
5. More people were kidnapped in Zamfara State than any other state in Nigeria. 765 people were kidnapped in the state between June 2022 and July 2023. Kaduna State followed closely with 690 people, and Niger State was the not-too-distant third, with 460 kidnap victims.
6. Catholic priests were one of the most targeted demographic due to the likeliness of churches to pay ransoms.

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“Kidnap dynamics differ between individual and community cases, with secrecy less prevalent in larger-scale abductions. In some instances, kidnappers opt for non-monetary ransom, like foodstuff. Notably, the Northwest and Northcentral regions exhibit higher numbers of in-kind ransom demands. This aligns with Nigeria’s widespread poverty and its correlation with areas where food is commonly demanded,” the SBM report read in part.

“Additionally, these regions have seen a surge in motorcycle demands due to economic opportunities and possibly because of their potential use in terror activities.

“Catholic priests, previously targeted for their ransom value, encountered 21 abductions during this period. Kaduna was the most dangerous state for priests, who were often kidnapped during services. Abductors demanded an average of around N50 million per priest in the past, but the church no longer discloses ransom negotiations to deter further attacks.

“The Northcentral region recorded higher ransom amounts, notably in Nasarawa, where targeted abductions yielded maximum ransoms with minimal resistance. The South-South’s low ransom payments may indicate efficient police intervention or victim silence. We believe that the latter is more likely as kidnap victims fear re-abduction.”

Speaking on Tuesday, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the newly appointed Minister of Defence, vowed to end kidnappings and any form of insecurity in Nigeria in the shortest time possible.