 reveals a grim security situation in Nigeria, with 614,937 individuals){kind=link}
A recent report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals a grim security situation in Nigeria, with 614,937 individuals killed and 2,235,954 kidnapped nationwide between May 2023 and April 2024.
These findings are part of the Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024.
The data highlights that N2.2 trillion was paid in ransoms during this period, averaging N2.7 million per incident. Rural areas bore the brunt of the violence, with 335,827 murders compared to 279,110 in urban locations.
Regional Breakdown of Crime
The North-West region reported the highest number of murders, with 206,030 cases, followed by the North-East with 188,992.
In contrast, the South-West had the lowest figure, recording 15,693 cases.
On kidnappings, rural areas experienced 1,668,104 abductions, while urban areas accounted for 567,850.
The North-West led in kidnapping cases, reporting 1,420,307 incidents, followed by the North-Central with 317,837.
The South-East recorded the lowest number of kidnappings at 110,432.
Outcomes of Kidnapping Cases
The report indicated that 82.1% of kidnapped individuals were eventually released, while 12.8% were killed.
Approximately 3.3% remain in captivity, and 1.3% of families were unaware of the outcome.
Notably, the North-West accounted for the highest ransom payments, totaling N1.2 trillion, with urban households paying an average of N3.7 million per incident, compared to N2.3 million in rural areas.
Additional Crimes and Security Costs
Motor vehicle thefts also surged, with 1,587,363 cases recorded during the review period.
The North-West led with 603,756 thefts, while the South-West reported the lowest, at 140,144. Rural areas reported more thefts (887,002) than urban areas (700,361).
In response to rising insecurity, households spent an average of N80,878 on security measures over the past year.
The South-East reported the highest average expenditure at N135,398, while the South-West spent the least at N34,408.
Perceived Unsafe Locations
Nigerians identified ATMs as the most unsafe locations, with 31.7% reporting feelings of insecurity, followed by public transportation (29.1%) and religious sites (7%).
The NBS report underscores the pervasive nature of insecurity across Nigeria, with significant financial and emotional burdens placed on citizens.