Nigerians Paid Over N5 Billion in Ransom for Kidnappings in Eight Years, Says Deputy Speaker

Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has stated that an estimated N5 billion has been paid in ransom for kidnappings across the country over the past eight years.

Kalu shared this information during a national dialogue on state police held in Abuja, organized by the House of Representatives.

However, he didn’t provide supporting data or explain the methodology used to arrive at this estimate.

In his speech, Kalu said, “Since 2016, estimates indicate that over N5 billion has been paid in ransoms to kidnappers, highlighting the significant rise of this criminal activity in Nigeria.”

Additionally, Kalu referred to the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, which ranks Nigeria as the fourth most impacted country in sub-Saharan Africa and the eighth globally due to terrorism.

“These figures emphasize the need for a multi-faceted policing strategy that focuses on local security, allowing for more effective and adaptable policing in Nigeria,” Kalu noted.