Kidnap-for-Ransom Economy Drains Nigerians as Victims Pay N2.56 Billion in One Year
August 26, 2025 — Nigerians have paid at least N2.56 billion in ransoms to kidnappers between July 2024 and June 2025, underscoring the alarming rise of the country’s kidnap-for-ransom industry. According to recent security data, the figure represents a staggering 144 percent increase compared to the N1.05 billion ransom payments recorded in the corresponding period