Report: Nigerian Kidnappers Collected ₦7.78 Billion in Ransom in One Year

Nigerian kidnappers collected at least ₦7.78 billion in confirmed ransom payments between July 2025 and June 2026, according to a new SBM Intelligence report. The security consultancy recorded 7,825 kidnappings during the period, a 66% increase from the previous year, and at least 1,142 deaths. SBM said the actual ransom figure may be far higher because many families do not report payments publicly. The report found that a Boko Haram faction accounted for about 90% of recorded ransom payments in the North-East, while the North-West recorded more kidnapping incidents and victims. The figures come amid fresh concern over mass abductions in Niger State. Residents said hundreds of people, including women and children, were taken from several communities, although the exact number has not been independently confirmed. President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to begin rescue operations. The report warns that ransom payments may continue to fund armed groups unless Nigeria tackles both the profitability of kidnapping and its underlying causes. The crisis is affecting schools, farming, travel, businesses and public confidence in security agencies.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.