Report: Nigerian kidnappers collected $5.8 million in ransoms over past year

AI-summarized · Neutrality-checked

Between July 2025 and June 2026, kidnappers in Nigeria collected approximately $5.79 million in ransom payments, a figure that tripled from the previous year according to a report by SBM Intelligence. During this period, 7,825 people were abducted and at least 1,142 were killed, with Boko Haram factions accounting for 90% of the recorded ransom payments. The report noted a 66% increase in abductions, with school raids recurring as a prominent tactic, most recently involving the abduction of 600 civilians in Niger State.

Consequences

The persistent security crisis and the effectiveness of kidnapping as a funding mechanism for militant groups are expected to be central issues in the upcoming January elections. Continued targeting of schools and civilians risks further eroding public trust in the government while potentially entrenching kidnapping as a stable financial model for insurgent factions.

Sources

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