Nigerians paid N2.23 trillion in ransoms to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024 according to the National Bureau of Statistics’ Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey’ (CESPS)
According to the survey, 65% of households affected by kidnapping were forced to pay ransoms to secure the release of their loved ones. The average ransom paid stood at N2.67 million, highlighting the heavy burden placed on victims.
“Among households that experienced kidnapping incidents, 65.0% paid a ransom. The average amount paid as ransom was N2,670,693, with an estimated total ransom of N2,231,772,563,507 paid within the reference period,” the NBS said.
