Nigerians Paid N2.23tn as Ransom in 12 Months – NBS Report

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has released a startling report revealing that Nigerians paid an estimated N2.23 trillion in ransom to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024. The findings, contained in the NBS’s Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, shed light on the escalating threat of criminal activities across the country and the heavy financial toll borne by affected households.

Rising Crime Rates and Regional Disparities

According to the NBS survey, a staggering 51.89 million crime incidents were reported by Nigerian households during the 12-month period. The North-West region recorded the highest incidence of crime, with 14.4 million cases, followed by the North-Central with 8.8 million. In contrast, the South-East experienced the least crime, with 6.18 million reported incidents.

Rural areas were disproportionately affected, accounting for 26.53 million crime incidents compared to 25.36 million in urban areas. This disparity highlights the unique challenges faced by rural communities, where security infrastructure is often lacking. Kidnapping emerged as a particularly severe issue, with 4.14 million households experiencing home robberies, many of which involved abductions.

The Cost of Insecurity in Nigeria: Ransom Payments

The report emphasized the prevalence of ransom payments among kidnapping victims. Approximately 65 per cent of affected households were forced to pay to secure the release of loved ones, with an average ransom of N2.67 million per incident. This contributed to the staggering total of N2.23 trillion paid within a yea

Despite the financial burden, reporting rates for these crimes remained low. Only 36.3 per cent of households that experienced home robberies or kidnappings reported the incidents to the police. Many victims cited a lack of confidence in law enforcement and skepticism about the likelihood of meaningful action as reasons for non-reporting.

Other Crimes and Public Perception

Beyond kidnapping, the survey highlighted other prevalent crimes, including phone theft, which affected 13.8 per cent of Nigerians. While 90 per cent of phone theft victims reported the incidents to the police, only half were satisfied with the police response. Sexual offences were also significant, with an estimated 1.4 million Nigerians victimized. Alarmingly, only 22.7 per cent of these crimes were reported to law enforcement.

The report revealed low public confidence in safety, with 9.6 per cent of Nigerians believing they were at risk of crime in the next 12 months. This fear was more pronounced in rural areas, where 13 per cent of residents felt vulnerable, compared to 7 per cent in urban areas.

Security Agencies and Community Responses

The report questioned the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies, particularly the police, in addressing emergencies. Only 33.1 per cent of Nigerians reported that security agencies responded to emergency calls within 30 minutes. Interactions between households and security forces were frequent, with 4 out of 10 households engaging state or local security agencies. However, satisfaction with police responses was low, especially for crimes like livestock and crop theft.

In rural areas, local vigilante groups were often seen as more dependable than formal security agencies. The reliance on community-led initiatives underscores the gaps in Nigeria’s national security framework and the urgent need for reforms to restore public confidence and reduce the financial burden of crime on households.

Vigilante Groups: The Alternative Security Solution

In the face of ineffective formal security mechanisms, local vigilante groups have emerged as a more reliable alternative, particularly in rural areas. This development underscores the deep-seated challenges within Nigeria’s formal security infrastructure and the urgent need for comprehensive reform.

The NBS report serves as a critical wake-up call, highlighting the economic and social toll of widespread criminal activities. It demands immediate and comprehensive action from government security agencies to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens.

The NBS report underscores the growing threat of crime and the economic toll it takes on Nigerian households. As ransom payments and other crime-related costs soar, it is imperative for the government and security agencies to address these challenges and rebuild public trust. Strengthening community policing, improving response times, and addressing the root causes of insecurity are critical steps toward ensuring safety and economic stability.