The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that Nigerians paid an estimated ₦2.2 trillion in ransom to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024. This alarming statistic is part of the Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024, which provides a detailed analysis of crime trends and security challenges in Nigeria.

The Alarming Scale of Kidnapping in Nigeria

According to the NBS report:

• The average ransom paid for kidnapping incidents was ₦2.7 million per victim.
• 65% of kidnapping cases involved ransom payments.
• The North-West zone recorded the highest total ransom payments, amounting to ₦1.2 trillion, while the South-East reported the least, with ₦85.4 billion.
• Rural areas experienced more kidnapping cases (1,668,104) compared to urban areas (567,850).

Regional Breakdown of Kidnapping Cases

• North-West: 1,420,307 cases.
• North-Central: 317,837 cases.
• South-East: 110,432 cases (least affected zone).

Crime Trends and Household Impact

The report revealed that 51.9 million crime incidents were experienced by households across the country within the 12-month period.

Household Crime Breakdown by Zone

• North-West: 14.4 million incidents (highest).
• North-Central: 8.8 million incidents.
• South-East: 6.2 million incidents (lowest).

Home Robbery Statistics

• 4.1 million households reported home robbery incidents.
• North-West had the highest number of cases (1.1 million), while the South-West had the least (378,252 cases).

However, less than half (36.3%) of the households that experienced robbery reported the incidents to the police.

Key Findings on Crime Reporting and Law Enforcement

The report highlighted critical gaps in public confidence in law enforcement:

• 22.7% of households believed the police would not take action if crimes were reported.
• 24% preferred to report incidents to other authorities instead of the police.
• Only 33.1% of respondents reported that security agencies responded to emergencies within 30 minutes.

The lack of confidence in police effectiveness underscores the reliance of many rural households on local vigilante groups for protection.

Prevalence of Other Crimes

Phone Theft

• The most common crime, with 13.8% of individuals reporting incidents.
• 90% of victims reported phone thefts to the police, but only half expressed satisfaction with the response.

Sexual Offences

• 1.4 million individuals experienced sexual offences, with most incidents occurring in someone else’s home (27.7%) or the victim’s home (22.2%).
• Only 22.7% of sexual offence cases were reported to the police.

Public Perception of Safety

• 9.6% of Nigerians believe they might be victims of crime in the next year, with higher concern in rural areas (13%) compared to urban areas (7%).
• Security remains a significant concern, particularly in regions with higher crime rates like the North-West and North-Central zones.

The Economic and Social Cost of Crime

The staggering ₦2.2 trillion ransom payments highlight the devastating economic impact of insecurity on households. This amount is equivalent to 1.1% of Nigeria’s GDP, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms to address the underlying causes of crime.

Why Nigerians Avoid Reporting Crimes

• Lack of confidence in law enforcement.
• Fear of retaliation from criminals.
• Perceived inefficiency of the police force.

Call to Action: Building a Safer Nigeria

The findings of the NBS survey emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle insecurity in Nigeria:

1. Reforming Law Enforcement
   • Increase police efficiency and accountability.
   • Strengthen community policing and collaboration with local vigilante groups.
2. Improving Emergency Response
   • Reduce average response times to emergencies.
   • Equip security agencies with modern tools and technology.
3. Enhancing Public Trust
   • Foster confidence in the justice system through transparency and consistent action.
4. Addressing Root Causes
   • Invest in education, employment, and infrastructure to address poverty and inequality, which often drive crime.

Final Thoughts

The NBS report is a stark reminder of the human and economic toll of insecurity in Nigeria. It paints a sobering picture of a nation grappling with deep-seated challenges, but also offers an opportunity to reshape strategies and policies for a safer and more secure future.

The time to act is now. By addressing the systemic issues highlighted in the report, Nigeria can begin the journey toward rebuilding public confidence and ensuring a safer environment for all.