A newly released report by SBM Intelligence, titled “Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry,” reveals that Zamfara State recorded the highest number of kidnappings in Nigeria between July 2024 and June 2025.
The report shows that 1,203 people were abducted in Zamfara, followed by 629 in Kaduna, 566 in Katsina, and 358 in Sokoto. Other states affected include Niger (239), Borno (205), Kebbi (172), Kogi (158), Kwara (140), Benue (128), Enugu (123), and Ondo (92).
Looking at the number of kidnapping incidents, Katsina led with 131 cases, Kaduna had 123, Zamfara 113, Niger 50, and Delta 49.
SaharaReporters previously reported that the report revealed that kidnappers across Nigeria demanded a total of ₦48 billion in ransom between July 2024 and June 2025.
It noted that kidnappers have grown increasingly audacious this year, demanding staggering sums for ransom. Of the ₦48,009,590,000 total sought, the highest ransom stemmed from the March 15, 2025, abduction of Chidimma and Precious Enuma, along with their aunt, Anwuri Oko Ye, in Ebedei Ukwuole community, Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State.
Meanwhile, the report paints an alarming macroeconomic picture, stating that “while ransom payments in naira reach record highs (₦2.56 billion paid against ₦48 billion demanded), their dwindling dollar value (just $1.66 million) exposes an industry cannibalising itself”.
The report also highlighted cases where substantial sums were actually paid.
“We see the same single incident carrying the whole can be seen in the ransom paid: Borno ranks the highest in ransom paid, but just one case bumps the state up the rankings: the ₦766 million that was paid to the kidnappers of Justice Haruna Mshelia of the Borno State High Court, who was abducted in September 2024. His kidnappers got the exact amount they demanded,” it said.
“That is 29.8% of the entire ransom paid across the country. Also, what this means is that a designated terror group–Boko Haram–got the largest share of ransom paid in this period.”
Overall, SBM Intelligence reported that ₦2.56 billion ($1.66 million) was paid in ransom, while 4,722 civilians were abducted during the one year under review.
The findings come amid growing public concern about rising insecurity across the country, with government assurances yet to translate into concrete action to curb abductions and killings.
It said, “Between July 2024 and June 2025, Nigeria’s kidnap-for-ransom crisis consolidated into a structured, profit-seeking industry.
“At least 4,722 people were abducted in 997 incidents, and at least 762 were killed. Kidnappers demanded roughly ₦48 billion and secured ₦2.57 billion (about $1.66 million), showing the growing divergence between naira and dollar values as devaluation erodes purchasing power.”
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