2.2m Nigerians kidnapped in one year, families paid N2.2tn ransom — Expert

Fresh concerns have emerged over Nigeria’s worsening insecurity after security expert Oyesoji Aremu revealed that the country recorded an estimated 2.2 million kidnapping incidents within one year, with victims and their families allegedly paying about N2.2 trillion in ransom to secure the release of abducted persons.

Aremu made the disclosure while addressing the growing menace of kidnapping across the country, describing the situation as one of the gravest security challenges currently confronting Nigeria.

According to him, the alarming figures underscore the rapid expansion of criminal activities, especially abductions for ransom, which have continued to spread across both urban and rural communities.

He noted that kidnapping has evolved into a lucrative criminal enterprise, with armed gangs and organised groups operating across several states and targeting travellers, farmers, students, commuters and residents.

Over the years, many highways and remote communities have repeatedly witnessed incidents of mass abductions, forcing citizens to live in constant fear and uncertainty.

The security expert warned that beyond the psychological trauma suffered by victims and their families, the economic impact of the crisis is becoming increasingly devastating.

He explained that the estimated N2.2 trillion reportedly paid as ransom represents a huge financial burden on Nigerians already grappling with inflation, unemployment and rising living costs.

According to Aremu, the continuous payment of ransom may also be strengthening criminal networks, as the huge financial returns encourage more kidnappings and help armed groups sustain their operations.

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Security analysts have consistently raised concerns that the profitability of kidnapping has transformed it into a major criminal industry, with many gangs now viewing abduction as a reliable source of income.

The disclosure has again renewed calls for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture, including stronger intelligence gathering, improved surveillance systems and enhanced collaboration among security agencies.

Many Nigerians have also urged the Federal Government and state authorities to intensify efforts toward securing highways, forests and vulnerable communities frequently targeted by kidnappers.

Stakeholders further stressed the need for stronger local policing structures and community-based intelligence systems capable of detecting suspicious movements before attacks occur.

Experts have also linked the rising wave of criminality to worsening socio-economic conditions, poverty and unemployment, arguing that addressing those root causes remains critical to reducing insecurity in the long term.

The latest revelation adds to growing national conversations about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security framework and the urgent need for sustainable measures to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.

With fears mounting in several regions, many citizens are demanding immediate and decisive action from authorities to restore public confidence and guarantee the safety of lives and property nationwide.