The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported alarming figures concerning crime and insecurity in Nigeria, revealing that from May 2023 to April 2024, at least 614,937 Nigerians were killed and 2,235,954 were kidnapped. This data was published in the NBS’s recent report titled “The Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024.”
The report indicates that kidnappings resulted in approximately N2.2 trillion in ransom payments, averaging N2.7 million per incident. Notably, the murder rate was highest in rural areas, with 335,827 incidents, compared to 279,110 in urban locations.
According to the report, the North West region experienced the most murder cases, totaling 206,030, followed by the North East with 188,992. The South West recorded the lowest at 15,693. In terms of kidnappings, the North West led with 1,420,307 cases, while the South East reported 110,432.
The report also revealed that 82.1 percent of kidnapping victims were released, while 12.8 percent were killed, and 3.3 percent remained in captivity. It noted that most kidnappings were financially motivated, with 91 percent aiming for ransom, while 2.4 percent were linked to political or criminal objectives.
Motor vehicle thefts were another significant concern, with 1,587,363 incidents reported during the survey period. The North West had the highest number of thefts, totaling 603,756, while rural areas reported more vehicle crimes (887,002) than urban areas (700,361).
Nigerians have reportedly begun investing in their security, with an average expenditure of N80,878 on security measures over the past year. The South East recorded the highest average spending at N135,398, while the South West spent the least at N34,408.
In light of the findings, security expert Abdullahi Garba emphasized the need for the federal government to tackle the socio-economic challenges contributing to insecurity. He noted that kidnappers often target individuals with financial means, while the poor bear the brunt of the violence.
Garba suggested that improving employment opportunities for youth could help reduce crime, stating, “If they’re gainfully employed, they won’t engage in such nefarious activities.”
Meanwhile, inquiries to the presidency and security agencies regarding the report went unanswered, reflecting a concerning silence from officials in the wake of these troubling statistics.
