Kidnapping trends in Nigeria: Understanding its emergence as a lucrative enterprise

By Arthur Eriye

Kidnapping has become one of Nigeria’s most intricate and lucrative criminal enterprises, transforming from a politically driven strategy into a multi-billion-naira industry that poses a threat to national security, economic growth, and social stability. Virtually every region, from isolated villages to major highways and even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been affected by this menace.

The contemporary surge of kidnapping in Nigeria can be traced back to the early 2000s, coinciding with the militancy in the Niger Delta. Militant groups targeted expatriate oil workers and government officials in abductions to attract global attention to issues such as environmental degradation, poverty, and perceived marginalization in oil-producing regions.

While these abductions were primarily politically motivated, criminal groups quickly recognized the significant financial gains associated with ransom payments. What initially served as a means of agitation gradually evolved into a profitable criminal operation that expanded throughout the nation.

The recent mass kidnapping in Oyo State stands out as one of the most alarming abductions in southern Nigeria in recent years.

On 15 May 2026, armed individuals launched an assault on schools in the Oriire region of Oyo State, affecting communities such as Yawota and Esinle.

The assailants, reportedly clad in military-style camouflage, kidnapped 39 students and seven teachers from a secondary school and two primary schools. Some of the children were as young as two and three years old. A teacher named Joel Adesiyan was fatally shot while attempting to shield students, and another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was subsequently killed while in captivity. The victims were allegedly taken into the forest surrounding the Old Oyo National Park.

READ ALSO: Troops, local hunters rescue kidnap victim in Benue–Nasarawa border operation

The incident sparked protests among parents, educators, and community members, leading many neighborhoods to close schools out of apprehension. Subsequently, security forces apprehended several suspects and initiated rescue operations; however, the abduction underscored the alarming spread of kidnapping from northern Nigeria into the South-West.

Another distressing case of kidnapping in recent times involved Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information and a one-time spokesperson for the Nigerian military. On 29 May 2026, the retired General and his spouse were abducted by bandits along the Katsina–Matazu road in Katsina State.

Despite the efforts of security agencies and the Katsina State Government to facilitate his release, he tragically passed away while in captivity. Authorities in Katsina State reported that he succumbed to complications related to diabetes and hypertension during his ordeal; however, this was later contested by his wife, who was eventually released, and his body was recovered.

The abduction of a school pupil and teacher in Oyo, along with the death of General Rabe, highlights the transformation of kidnapping into a profitable criminal enterprise in Nigeria.

What was once primarily concentrated in the North-West is now extending into areas that were previously considered safe, affecting schoolchildren, farmers, travelers, and even retired senior military personnel.

Initially, the victims were predominantly expatriates, politicians, and affluent individuals. In the present day, nearly anyone can fall victim. Farmers, students, traders, healthcare workers, traditional leaders, religious figures, and commuters are frequently abducted.

Furthermore, mass kidnappings have become more prevalent, with armed groups often targeting schools, villages, and travelers on highways in pursuit of larger ransom amounts.

Unless Nigeria confronts the underlying issues—including poverty, unemployment, a weak security presence, porous borders, and the spread of firearms—kidnapping will persist as a threat to lives, hinder economic development, and diminish public trust in security agencies.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), Nigeria experienced 4,074 abductions associated with organized political violence from 2019 to 2023, which represents 52 percent of all abductions in West Africa. In 2023 alone, Nigeria was responsible for 58 percent of all abductions in the region, underscoring the magnitude of the crisis.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was also listed among the states with the highest number of kidnapping incidents, recording at least 187 cases over five years.

ACLED further documented 662 kidnapping-related incidents in the North-West, in contrast to 246 incidents in the North-East, indicating a remarkable 169 percent difference.

Recent reports suggest that Nigerians paid approximately N2.23 trillion in ransom from May 2023 to April 2024, as per the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Additionally, a report by SBM Intelligence indicated that between July 2024 and June 2025:

4,722 individuals were abducted

997 kidnapping incidents were recorded

762 victims lost their lives

Kidnappers demanded around ₦48 billion

At least ₦2.57 billion was ultimately paid as ransom.

These statistics illustrate the transformation of kidnapping into a flourishing underground economy.

Security analysts observe that numerous armed factions that once relied on cattle rustling and various forms of banditry have changed their focus. As security measures became more stringent and cattle populations dwindled, these criminal organizations turned to kidnapping, which provides faster and more substantial financial gains.

The economic difficulties faced by Nigeria have further fueled the rise of kidnapping. Elevated unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and a lack of opportunities facilitate the recruitment of individuals into criminal enterprises.

Extensive forest reserves and areas lacking governance in multiple states serve as safe havens for kidnappers, complicating efforts to track and apprehend them.

The widespread availability of small arms and light weapons has empowered criminal organizations and enhanced the complexity of their operations.

The Economic Cost

The repercussions of kidnapping reach far beyond the payment of ransoms.

Farmers abandon their lands due to the threat of attacks, resulting in decreased agricultural output and food scarcity. Businesses either relocate or cease operations, while investors hesitate to allocate resources to insecure regions.

Communities invest significant sums in private security, and families frequently sell possessions or incur debts to meet ransom demands.

Security professionals caution that kidnapping now represents a danger on par with oil theft due to its capacity to generate income for criminal networks and disrupt economic activities.

In Nigeria, kidnapping has transitioned from a political strategy in the Niger Delta to a complex criminal enterprise motivated by financial profit. With thousands of abductions reported each year and billions of naira exchanged in ransom, this crime has emerged as one of the nation’s most lucrative illegal activities.

Unless Nigeria confronts the underlying issues—including poverty, unemployment, inadequate security presence, porous borders, and the spread of firearms—kidnapping will persist in jeopardizing lives, hindering economic development, and diminishing public trust in security agencies.