UN slams kidnapping boom as abductors rake in N2.57bn yearly

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of indiscriminate abductions of civilians across Nigeria, describing the continued targeting of students, women and other non-combatants by armed groups as unacceptable.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, condemned the persistent violence, noting that civilians—particularly young people—remain at grave risk.

“We are very much concerned at the fact that so many students, young people, young men and young women continue to be detained by armed groups,” Dujarric said. “And obviously, we’re continuing to see violence.”

The UN’s concern follows a series of high-profile attacks on educational institutions in northern Nigeria. In November, armed men stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting at least 25 students and killing a teacher during the assault.

Shortly afterwards, more than 300 students and teachers were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State, marking one of the largest school abductions in recent months. Students of the Government Secondary School in Kebbi were later released after spending about a week in captivity.

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Kidnap-for-Ransom Generates Billions

Amid the growing insecurity, a new report by SBM Intelligence has revealed that Nigeria’s kidnap-for-ransom crisis generated at least N2.57 billion for criminal groups between July 2024 and June 2025.

The report, titled The Year Ahead at an Inflection Point, examined key economic and political developments shaping Africa in 2025. It estimated that kidnappers demanded a staggering N48 billion in ransom within the 12-month period, although only a fraction of that amount was eventually paid.

According to the findings, abductions in Nigeria have evolved into a highly structured, profit-driven criminal industry, thriving amid worsening security conditions nationwide.

SBM Intelligence recorded at least 4,722 abductions across 997 incidents during the period under review, with no fewer than 762 people killed.

Currency Depreciation Limits Real Gains

Despite the sharp rise in ransom demands in naira terms, the report noted that the actual value realised by kidnappers remains relatively modest in dollar terms due to the depreciation of the local currency.

The N2.57 billion paid in ransom translates to approximately $1.66 million, only slightly higher than the estimated $1.13 million equivalent of N653.7 million collected by kidnappers in 2022, the analysis showed.

The UN and security analysts continue to urge Nigerian authorities to strengthen protection for civilians, particularly schools, as the country grapples with one of its most severe security challenges in recent history.