The Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed a troubling rise in kidnapping incidents across Nigeria.
According to the report, Nigerians paid a total of ₦2.23 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024, emphasizing the increasing threat of kidnapping and its significant financial impact on households.
The CESPS highlights that about 4.14 million households in Nigeria were victims of kidnapping during the surveyed period. Among these, 65% of households paid ransoms to secure the release of loved ones, with the average ransom amounting to ₦2,670,693. This culminates in the ₦2.23 trillion total, reflecting the desperation of families faced with such crises.
A broader look at crime reveals that Nigerian households experienced 51.89 million incidents of crime over the 12-month period. The North-West region recorded the highest number of incidents, totaling 14.4 million, followed by the North-Central with 8.8 million cases. The South-East region experienced the lowest, with 6.18 million incidents.
The survey also indicated a higher incidence of crime in rural areas, with 26.53 million incidents compared to 25.36 million in urban regions. Rural households are particularly vulnerable to crimes like robbery and kidnapping, as they often lack access to robust security measures.
Despite the alarming figures, crime reporting remains significantly low. Only 36.3% of home robbery victims and a similar percentage of kidnapping victims reported their cases to law enforcement agencies. Many Nigerians cite a lack of trust in police effectiveness and fear of inaction as reasons for not reporting crimes.
The CESPS also notes that phone theft is the most common crime in Nigeria, affecting 13.8% of the population. While 90% of phone theft victims reported the crime, only half expressed satisfaction with the police response.
The high ransoms paid to kidnappers have devastating economic consequences for Nigerian households. Families are forced to deplete their savings or take on significant debt to secure the release of their loved ones. Beyond financial loss, the emotional toll is immense, leaving victims and their families traumatized.
The report reveals that 9.6% of Nigerians fear becoming victims of crime in the next 12 months. This fear is higher in rural areas (13%) compared to urban regions (7%).
The perceived ineffectiveness of Nigeria’s security forces exacerbates public anxiety. Only 33.1% of Nigerians reported that security agencies responded to emergencies within 30 minutes. Many households, particularly in rural areas, have resorted to relying on local vigilante groups for protection, reflecting a growing mistrust in formal security systems.
Key Statistics from the CESPS Report
Kidnapping Incidents: 4.14 million households affected.
Ransom Payments: ₦2.23 trillion total, with an average ransom of ₦2.67 million.
Crime Distribution: North-West leads with 14.4 million incidents; South-East records the lowest with 6.18 million cases.
Reporting Rates: Only 36.3% of home robbery victims reported incidents to the police.
Common Crimes: Phone theft affects 13.8% of Nigerians.
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