Nigeria’s kidnapping epidemic has evolved from a fragmented criminal enterprise into a windfall for insurgents. Even as the number of victims escalates nationwide, the most lucrative ransoms are being cornered by a single terrorist faction.
Between July 2025 and June 2026, 7,825 people were abducted in 1,411 incidents, according to SBM Intelligence’s The Capture of Nigeria’s Kidnap Economy. At least 1,142 people were killed in kidnapping-related violence.
Abductors demanded an estimated N22.86bn over the year, but victims and their families paid N7.78bn. About N7bn, roughly 90 per cent, went to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad (JAS), a Boko Haram faction, from just eight cases.
Fewer demands, more money collected
The economics of kidnapping have shifted sharply.
