Metro

3,620 abducted, N5bn ransom collected in Nigeria in one year— Report

Published

1 year ago

August 24, 2023

A report put together by a an intelligence research firm, SB Morgan has put the figure of Nigerians abducted by gunmen in the last one year at 3,620, while the sum of N5 billion was collected in ransom payments.

The report, which was released on Wednesday, entitled, “The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry: Follow the Money,” disclosed that “between July 2022 and June 2023, 3,620 people were abducted in over 582 kidnapping incidents in the country, with a reported ransom demand of at least N5 billion and an actual ransom payment of over N302 million.”

The report, however, noted that the money that exchanged hands could be higher as a number of kidnap cases went unreported.

“As Nigeria faces security crises across the six geopolitical zones, Boko Haram, Islamic States of West Africa, Ansar terrorists, bandits, sea pirates, and armed separatist agitators the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and all other violent groups, take part in kidnapping for ransom, even with the country’s struggling economy, rising inflation, and high unemployment rates,” the SB Morgan report said.

Delving further, the research firm said the harrowing statistics, motivations, and complexities of the growing epidemic of abductions in the West African country “unveils a striking correlation between Nigeria’s struggling economy, rising inflation, and soaring unemployment rates and the exponential growth of the kidnap-for-ransom industry.”

“Kidnap dynamics differ between individual and community cases, with less secrecy in larger-scale abductions.

“In some instances, kidnappers opt for non-monetary ransom, like foodstuff. Notably, the Northwest and Northcentral regions exhibit higher in-kind cases of ransom demands, correlating with Nigeria’s widespread poverty.

“Additionally, these regions have seen a surge in demands for motorcycles as part of ransom payments,” the report stated.

It added that Catholic priests, previously targeted for their ransom value, encountered 21 abductions during this period.

“Kaduna State in the Northeast was the most dangerous state for priests, who were often kidnapped during services. Abductors demanded around N50 million in the past, but the church now refrains from disclosing ransom negotiations possibly to avoid encouraging further attacks.

“The Northcentral saw higher ransom amounts demanded, notably in Nasarawa State, where targeted abductions yielded maximum ransom with minimal resistance.

“The South-South’s low ransom payments may indicate efficient police intervention or victim silence. The past year showed a higher likelihood of being kidnapped in Kaduna, Niger, or Zamfara, the three states recording the highest per capita abduction rates and deaths during kidnap attempts.

“Civilians bore the brunt of kidnap attempts around the country, with 430 casualties, while security agents and kidnappers accounted for 19 and 121 deaths, respectively,” it added.

Related Topics:Abductions Featured Nigeria Ransom Report SB Morgan

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Metro

Nigeria: Army denies reports of plans to establish French military base in the country

Published

7 hours ago

December 16, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian Army has debunked reports claiming that the French military was planning to establish a base in Nigeria.

The rumours gained momentum on social media and some traditional media platforms following President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to France where he met with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron.

But a statement on Monday by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said the clarification was necessitated by reports doing the rounds that French soldiers had arrived in the country in preparation to set up a base in Maiduguri, Borno State.

“The attention of Defence Headquarters has been drawn to online reports alleging the arrival of the first contingent of French soldiers in Maiduguri towards establishing a French Military base in North East Nigeria,” Buba said.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria hereby state unequivocally that this information is fake, totally false and mischievous.

“It would be recalled that Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa CFR, recently addressed this matter in different media forums. In which he debunked the news and such speculations.

“It is clear that these are the antics of mischief makers,” the defence spokesman saif.

Buba also urged the general public to disregard the news and speculations still making rounds in some quarters, adding that the military will continue to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, most professionally and ensure the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Metro

Zambia: President Hichilema launches Zambezi Economic Free Zone

Published

1 day ago

December 15, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has launched the Zambezi Economic Free Zone in Kazungula District, Southern Province, a project that is estimated to create over 1,000 direct jobs and transform the local economy.

The President who spoke during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 17,000-hectare development in Kazungula on Saturday, described the initiative as transformative with the potential to stimulate economic growth and attract significant foreign investment.

The project which is spearheaded by investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is situated in Chief Sekute’s area and aims to boost investment in key service sectors, including housing, healthcare, education, convention centers, and corporate headquarters.

“The anticipated benefits include skills development, technological advancements, and substantial infrastructure improvements,” Hichilema said.

He emphasized that the zone would position the country as a hub for global investment and innovation while delivering tangible benefits to local communities with the global recognition of free economic zones as catalysts for growth.

“These zones offer incentives, simplified regulations, and enhanced infrastructure, creating an environment conducive to investment, job creation, and the transfer of skills and technology,” he noted.

President Hichilema added that the project was “designed to attract investors, retirees, and workers from around the world, including Zambian stakeholders, encouraging their active participation in this unique development model” as well as drive economic development not only in Kazungula and Livingstone but across Zambia.