Over 1,100 killed, N7.8bn paid in ransoms as Nigerian kidnappings surge 66% – Report

Over 1,100 individuals lost their lives in 1,713 kidnappings and related incidents in Nigeria between July 2025 and June 2026, according to a report by SBM Intelligence titled "The capture of the kidnap economy." The total ransom paid amounted to N7.8 billion, with 895 civilians killed during these incidents. The Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati Wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of the Boko Haram terrorist group collected 90% of the ransom, with 7,825 people abducted during the period, a 66% increase in victims compared to the previous cycle.

Two major incidents accounted for the majority of the ransom: N5 billion paid for 416 captives abducted from Ngoshe, Borno State, and N2 billion paid for 315 pupils and staff taken from St Mary's School in Papiri, Niger State. The Northwest geopolitical zone recorded the highest number of incidents, victims, and deaths. The report suggests that disrupting the financial flows supporting insurgency and addressing the economic desperation of kidnappers could help combat the growing issue.