A report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that Nigerians paid an estimated N2.23 trillion as ransom to kidnappers over the past 12 months. The staggering figure highlights the worsening insecurity across the country and the increasing economic burden on victims and their families.
According to the NBS report, kidnappings have surged in various regions, with many families forced to sell properties, borrow funds, or liquidate savings to secure the release of loved ones. The report also noted that ransoms paid have had a detrimental impact on household economies, contributing to rising poverty levels.
Security experts say the kidnapping crisis has been fueled by economic hardship, unemployment, and insufficient security infrastructure. They called on the government to intensify efforts to address the root causes of insecurity while improving intelligence gathering and community-based policing.
The report has sparked widespread concern, with citizens demanding urgent reforms to restore public confidence in safety and security. The government has promised increased investment in law enforcement and the deployment of technological solutions to combat kidnapping across the country.
