Boko Haram, Bandits Kidnap 7,825, Collect N7.78bn Ransom In One Year — Report

Boko Haram and armed bandits abducted at least 7,825 people and collected N7.78 billion in ransom between July 2025 and June 2026, according to a report by SBM Intelligence.

The report, titled “The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry, 2026,” said Nigeria recorded a significant rise in kidnapping cases during the period, with 1,713 kidnap and related incidents recorded across the country.

According to the intelligence and strategic consulting firm, the number of kidnapping victims increased by 66 per cent compared with the previous year, while at least 1,142 people were killed.

The report said although the total ransom demanded by kidnappers declined from N48 billion to N22.9 billion, the amount actually paid increased more than threefold, from N2.56 billion to N7.78 billion.

It stated that the ransom collection rate consequently rose from 5.35 per cent to 34 per cent.

SBM Intelligence attributed much of the increase to the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram, which reportedly collected 90 per cent of all ransom paid from only eight incidents.

Two major abduction cases accounted for most of the ransom collected during the period.

The report said N5 billion was paid for the release of 416 people abducted from Ngoshe in Borno State, while N2 billion was paid for 315 pupils and staff kidnapped from St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State.

The two incidents alone accounted for N7 billion of the N7.78 billion total ransom paid nationwide.

SBM Intelligence said the geographical pattern of kidnapping remained largely unchanged, with the Northwest recording the highest number of incidents, victims and deaths.

Zamfara State recorded 236 kidnapping incidents involving 1,921 victims, representing nearly a quarter of the national total.

The report further stated that northern Nigeria accounted for 93.7 per cent of all abductions during the period, while the South accounted for only 6.3 per cent.

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