Nigeria's Kidnapping Crisis: 7,825 Abducted in 2025-2026

According to a report by SBM Intelligence, Nigeria experienced a significant surge in kidnapping incidents, with 7,825 individuals abducted in 1,713 cases from July 2025 to June 2026, marking a 66% increase from the previous year. The report titled “The capture of the kidnap economy” indicates that N7.78 billion was paid in ransom, despite a decrease in the total ransom demanded from N48 billion to N22.9 billion.

Boko Haram received over 90% of the ransom, amounting to N5 billion for the release of 416 captives from Ngoshe community and N2 billion for over 300 students abducted from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. The North accounted for 85% of the kidnapping cases and 96% of civilian deaths during this period.

The report also noted that armed Fulani herdsmen were linked to three incidents, resulting in a N5 million ransom. The findings underscore the growing organized criminal economy surrounding kidnapping in Nigeria.