
The National Bureau of Statistics has revealed that Nigerians paid a total of N2.23tn as ransom over the 12-month period between May 2023 and April 2024.
This sum was paid by households affected by kidnapping incidents, highlighting the growing threat posed by criminal activities in the country.
According to the NBS’s latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey report, an estimated 51.89 million crime incidents were recorded across Nigerian households in the reference period.
The survey showed that the North-West region had the highest incidence of crime, with 14.4 million cases reported, and followed by the North-Central region with 8.8 million incidents.
The NBS statistics come as The PUNCH learnt several northern states have resorted to vigilante squads and private security personnel to complement the Federal Government’s effort in the fight against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
The Kano State Government recruited no fewer than 2,500 security personnel to enhance security across the state.
According to him, the trained personnel were deployed to ministries, departments and agencies to bolster existing security structures and enhance overall safety.
“The initiative is in fulfillment of one of the present administration’s campaign promises of providing job opportunities for the youths and strengthening the security architecture of the state as revealed in a statement issued by the Director General, Media and Publicity to the governor, Sanusi Dawakin Tofa, after commencement of the training,” the official said.
In January, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State unveiled the 3969 members of the State Community Protection Guards set up by his administration to tackle the insecurity challenges affecting the state.
“The groups work under the coordination of the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police. They have been very helpful and work alongside the police whenever we have to raid terrorists hideouts like the Lame Burra forest, where bandits from Zamfara sometimes cross the border.
PUNCH