26/06/2026
Insecurity and kidnapping remain severe problems in northern Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest (e.g., Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto) and North-Central regions, as well as parts of the Northeast affected by Boko Haram and affiliates. This is driven by armed banditry, jihadist insurgencies, and criminal networks, with limited improvement despite government efforts.f95e8a21b7aa
Scale of the Problem (Recent Data)
Northwest dominance: Between July 2024 and June 2025, 2,938 people were kidnapped in the Northwest — over 60% of national incidents. Zamfara led with 1,203, followed by Kaduna (629), Katsina (566), and Sokoto (358).6469b4
National trends: Reports indicate thousands abducted annually. One analysis noted over 7,500 abducted in a year with ~1,056 killed. In early 2026, over 1,100 were abducted in northern areas in just three months (Jan–April). Mass school abductions continue, with at least 10 incidents since early 2024 affecting hundreds of children.
2025 terrorism spike: Attacks rose 43% (120 to 171 incidents), deaths up 46% to 750 — Nigeria ranked 4th globally in the 2026 Global Terrorism
Bandit groups linked to far more kidnappings than militants ( incidents in one period). November 2025 alone saw 589 victims in some reports.696
Kidnappings often target schools, villages, highways, and IDP camps for ransom (a major "industry"). Many victims are women and children; non-payers face death, torture, or prolonged captivity. Ransoms have reached billions of naira collectively.8297ee
Main Causes
Socio-economic: High poverty, youth unemployment, and lack of opportunities drive recruitment into banditry. Quick cash from ransoms is a key motivator.16b543
Environmental and resource conflicts: Farmer-herder clashes (exacerbated by climate change, desertification, and competition over land/water) fuel banditry.
Security and governance gaps: Weak rural policing, porous borders (facilitating arms from Sahel/Libya), corrup
