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Why kidnap for ransom flourishes in Nigeria — Experts
• N2.7bn paid as ransom in one year
Experts in the development sector have provided context on how kidnap for ransom business is thriving in Nigeria, especially in Northern Nigeria.
They gave the insights on the heels of a recent report by SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence, a geopolitical research firm, which recently declared that kidnappers demanded over N48 billion from victims and their families between July 2024 and June 2025.
The research firm, in its latest report, titled ‘Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry,’ said out of the total amount of N48 billion demanded as ransom, only N2.57 billion was received.
What experts are saying
Speaking on the issue, the Executive Director at the Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Dr. Umar Yakubu stated that poverty and low human capital development has been a major factor fueling kidnap and ransom business especially in northern Nigeria
“If you look at the report, the northwest has a higher number of kidnap cases compared to other regions of the country. This alone shows the low level of human capital development and the high level of poverty and illiteracy. The indices are all pointing to that,” he said.
On what to do, he said, “Government through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency must step up their mandate to determine if the ransom is transferred or paid in cash and track those receiving them.
“Also there has to be an Intelligence driven approach in partnership with the community members. There must be partnership to sensitize the community members on the need to report anyone that has developed overnight wealth without commensurate work to show for it.
“Also government must improve governance at subnational level to improve living conditions of citizens,” he said
Also speaking, a development economist, Dr. Hassan Abdullahi told Daily Trust that the northwest has long suffered from kidnapping, at least in the last decade.
He added however that there must be deliberate efforts by families of victims to also stop fueling the kidnappings by offering ransom.
“The issue has been on the front burner for a while. Meanwhile there is a need for deliberate efforts by the government to disabuse the minds of family members of always giving ransom whenever their relatives or loved ones are kidnapped.
“I know this can be argued but to me when you keep giving them ransom, it emboldens them to keep kidnapping,” he said.
He also added that the security agencies must step up in intelligence gathering and sharing to curb the incident to barest minimum.
Also speaking, Joseph Momoh, an economist told Daily Trust that there are many angles to look at ransom and why it is thriving.
He said, “The security agencies have not lived up to their expectations which has led the business to keep thriving, just as there is also the theory of community members conniving with the kidnappers to extort families of victims,”
He also added that the telecommunications regulator must step up to track calls and ensure the kidnappers are traced and apprehended.”
N2.7bn paid as ransom in 1yr
According to SBM, no fewer than 4722 people were kidnapped in at least 997 incidents, in which at least 762 people were killed in the same period.
“Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis has evolved into a lucrative criminal enterprise, with N2.56 billion ($1.66 million) confirmed in ransom payments and 4,722 civilians abducted in just one year,” the report reads.
“The Northwest remains the most violent, while the Southeast and South-South face targeted religious abductions and financial extortion.
“Unless security forces dismantle these networks and address root causes—poverty, unemployment, and weak law enforcement—the cycle of kidnappings, ransoms, and deaths will continue unchecked, leaving ordinary Nigerians in perpetual fear.”
The firm explained that while the amount of naira paid in ransom has dramatically increased, the dollar equivalent has not kept pace.
For example, the report highlighted that in the 2022 report, a total of N653.7 million was paid, which equated to approximately $1.13 million.
The following year, the amount paid dropped to N302 million ($387,179).
“Although the NGN amount paid rose sharply to N1.05 billion in 2024, the USD equivalent was only around $655, 000,” the report reads.
“The latest figures show a new high, with N2.56 billion paid, which amounts to approximately $1.66 million.
“This significant divergence between the NGN and USD amounts reflects the ongoing devaluation of the Nigerian currency.
“As the cost of living soars and legitimate livelihood opportunities dwindle, kidnapping has become a highly organised and pervasive criminal industry.”
The firm noted that the perpetrators are demanding increasingly higher sums in naira to compensate for the currency’s weakening purchasing power, thus transforming the crimes from a symptom of a weak security apparatus to a self-sustaining business model.
Zamfara, Kaduna recorded highest number of people kidnapped
Giving a state analysis, the research firm stated that of the 4,722 reported kidnapping cases, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina had the highest numbers of incidents and victims.
“In the period under review, Katsina led in the number of kidnap-related incidents with 131, accounting for 13.1% of the national total,” the report reads.
“However, this does not correspond with the total number of people kidnapped. That record belongs to Zamfara, whose 1203 kidnapped residents account for 25.4% of the total.
“Of the top five states in the number of incidents, four-fifths are northern, with Katsina (131), Kaduna (123), Zamfara (113) and Niger (40) representing two northern geopolitical zones (Northwest and North-central).
“In comparison, Delta completes the five states with 49 incidents.
“This means that the most kidnap-infested state in the South accounts for a little less than 5% of the whole, making the kidnap crisis a predominantly northern issue.”
SBM noted that the kidnappers became bolder this year, with eye-watering sums requested for ransom.
According to the report, of the N48 billion demanded as payment, the highest amount demanded came from the abduction of Chidimma and Precious Enuma, as well as their aunt Anwuri Okoye, in Ebedei Ukwuole Community of Ukwuani local government area of Delta State on March 15, 2025.
The kidnappers requested N30 billion as ransom; this singular incident represents 62.5 percent of all ransom demanded.
SBM advised that breaking the cycle of abductions requires urgent and systemic action, stressing that the government must act with dedication and strategy to end the crisis.
According to the firm, disrupting financial networks through advanced tracing technologies could starve kidnappers of profits, while economic stabilization might reduce recruitment pools.
“But without coordinated strategies targeting both the crime’s profitability and its socioeconomic drivers, Nigeria risks entrenching kidnapping as a grim national industry, one that perpetuates poverty, undermines recovery, and leaves citizens hostage to a failing system,” the firm warned.
SBM said the time for half-measures has passed, adding that only through dismantling the ransom economy can Nigeria begin reclaiming its security and future. (Daily Trust)
Terrorists have killed five out of the eight worshippers abducted at ECWA Church Omugo in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state, says one escaped abductees.
Rev Sunday Omole had urged federal government to expedite action on the release of the abductees from the captivity of the terrorists.
The clergyman said government intervention had become necessary after the community paid the terrorists N20 million and provided additional items worth more than N300,000, yet the abductors refused to release the worshippers and instead demanded an additional N300 million ransom.
He added that from the action of the terrorists it was clear that they just wanted to be exploiting the community.
Recall that eight of the worshippers including the Pastor’s wife were kidnapped in the morning of March 22,2026 during a Sunday service.
The death of the five worshippers including the Pastor’s wife was disclosed in a statement issued by the Pastor of the church, Rev Sunday Omole, Wednesday evening.
The statement reads:
“It is with deep pain in my heart that I inform the church, families and individual concerned in regard to the 8 people that were abducted from ECWA OMUGO on 22nd of March, 2026.
“We received one of our son’s, Mr Sunday Bakare also abducted over a month ago, he escaped and brought the following news that only 3 out of 8 of our people are remaining with the kidnappers. The remaining 5 have gone to be with the Lord.
“They are; Elder Chief David Omopariola,
Chief Joseph Ibitoye Afariogun,
Mrs Iyabo Aniyi,
Elder Joshua Akanbi Adeyemi and
Mrs. Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole(his wife).
“Brethren, let’s know that God knows why He allows this to happen. The great comforter will comfort us in Jesus name, amen.
“The prayers of the saints in the beginning of the church also worked and answered still they had martyrs. John 16:33 says (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace . In this world you will have trouble . But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Heaven is our home and Gain. Let’s reason as child of God as we navigate this moment. God bless you, and comfort you all in Jesus name, amen.”concluded the statement.
It was also gathered that the three remaining worshipers are in terrible health condition, while a member of church who escaped from the terrorists captivity is currently receiving an urgent medical attention in a private hospital in OmuAran.
…charges team to bring home continental trophy
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has gifted players and management of Rangers International Football Club with plots of land and the sum of N150 million for winning the 2025/2026 NPFL title.
Mbah announced the gifts during a dinner reception he hosted in honour of the players, technical crew and management of the team at Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday night.
Rangers FC won the league for a record-equaling ninth time and also for a second time in three years under the Mbah Administration following a 2-1 win over Ikorodu City Boys in Lagos on May 24, 2026.
Speaking at the event, Mbah likened the reception to welcoming home a child who had excelled academically, saying the government and people of Enugu State were delighted to celebrate the team’s success.
“We are providing you with a cash gift of N100 million for the players and N50 million for the technical and management crew.
“In addition to that, we have approved a plot of land in Enugu for every player, while additional plots will be allocated to the General Manager, Head Coach, Secretary and Assistant Coach,” Mbah said.
The governor noted that Rangers was more than a football club, describing it as a symbol of resilience, unity, hope and social renewal established in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.
According to him, the club carries a rich history and legacy associated with football legends such as the late Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okala and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha.
He commended the players, coaches and management for their hard work, sacrifices and discipline throughout the season, noting that the trophy was the product of countless acts of determination and effort.
Mbah also praised Rangers General Manager, Amobi Ezeaku, for his leadership, resilience and commitment, saying the qualities required to build a successful football club were similar to those needed to build a successful state.
The governor assured the team of continued government support, stressing that sports remained a key component of his administration’s development agenda.
He also stated that renovation works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as “The Cathedral,” would be completed in time and to international standards for Rangers’ continental matches.
He added that Enugu State, under his leadership, would continue to invest heavily in sports infrastructure and development, noting that the state would host the 2026 National Sports Festival in a manner that would leave lasting marks in the sands of time.
Mbah, however, identified complacency as an enemy of success, urging the team not to rest on their laurels and well-deserved accolades.
“So, brace up, fight on, keep winning and ensure you bring the continental trophy home,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, thanked the governor for hosting the champions and for his sustained investment in sports development.
Ekweremadu described the league triumph as a testament to the governor’s commitment to excellence and service delivery across sectors.
The commissioner recalled that Enugu State emerged overall winner of the National Para Games in March with 55 medals comprising 40 gold, eight silver and seven bronze medals.
Responding, Ezeaku noted that success was built on discipline, preparation and ambition, drawing inspiration from renowned philosophers such as Aristotle, Seneca and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
He emphasised that the celebration extended beyond the lifting of a trophy and represented a celebration of leadership, vision and the power of unity among government, management, players and supporters.
The General Manager expressed profound gratitude to Governor Mbah for his unwavering support of the club, stating that Rangers had enjoyed one of its most successful periods in recent history under the governor’s administration.
According to him, Rangers has won two NPFL titles within three years of Governor Mbah’s tenure, a feat he described as remarkable in contemporary Nigerian football.
“This is credited to the governor’s commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and excellence, helping to restore the club’s competitive edge,” he said.
The club also highlighted the governor’s broader achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, technology and economic development, while stressing that his contribution to sports deserves equal recognition.
Reflecting on the club’s title-winning campaign, Ezeaku revealed that the journey was marked by intense competition, with rival clubs reportedly receiving promises of substantial incentives, including cash rewards, vehicles and landed properties.
“Despite these developments, the club maintained focus and confidence, believing that hard work and excellence would ultimately be rewarded.
“We remained resolute and focused throughout the season. Our confidence came from our belief in the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah and our conviction that sacrifice and excellence would not go unnoticed,” he stated.
Looking beyond domestic success, he declared Rangers’ intention to compete among Africa’s elite clubs and challenged stakeholders to support the club’s continental ambitions.
The general manager described Rangers as one of Africa’s historic football brands with the fan base, identity and pedigree to compete successfully at the highest level.
He expressed confidence that with strategic investment and continued government support, Rangers could one day lift the CAF Champions League trophy and bring continental glory back to Nigeria.
“Every great achievement begins as a dream. Today, we dream of Rangers defeating Africa’s biggest clubs and bringing the CAF Champions League trophy to Enugu,” the management said.
Meanwhile, Rangers FC and their fans had earlier celebrated their NPFL win at Okpara Square and paraded their trophy through the capital city with much jubilation and fanfare before retiring to Government House for the dinner reception and presentation of the trophy to the governor.
The lifeless body of a final-year female student of the Federal University Lokoja has been discovered along the Felele–Lokoja Road in Kogi State.
The deceased, identified as Sarah Ojodomo Idoko, was a final-year student of the Federal University Lokoja. Her body was reportedly found on Saturday night near the Crusher area along the busy Felele axis after she was allegedly dumped there by unknown assailants.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that a vehicle was seen stopping briefly near the location at about 8 p.m. before speeding away. Shortly afterwards, passers-by reportedly discovered the victim’s body by the roadside and alerted authorities.
Initial reports suggested that Sarah was a student of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, after an identity card bearing her name and academic details was recovered at the scene.
The card indicated that she was enrolled in the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme in the Department of Office Technology Management for the 2024/2025 academic session.
However, the Kogi State Police Command later clarified that the deceased was actually a student of the Federal University Lokoja.
Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Kankarofi, said investigations had commenced.
He noted that the police were working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and track down those responsible.
According to the police commissioner, details of the investigation would be made public at the appropriate time, while assuring residents that the command remains committed to ensuring justice for the deceased.
The tragic death of Sarah Ojodomo Idoko has once again raised concerns about the safety and security of students and residents along the Felele corridor, a major gateway to Lokoja that has witnessed several security-related incidents in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Association of Nigeria Female Students (ANFS), Kogi State Chapter, described the killing as cruel, unfortunate, and unacceptable.
In a statement issued by its State Coordinator, Comrade Celina Ojoniko James, the association expressed deep sorrow over the loss and called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
The group also urged government authorities and security agencies to strengthen safety measures around campuses and student communities to prevent similar tragedies in the future. (TRIBUNE)
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