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Nigerians paid N2.57bn ransom to kidnappers in one year; 4,722 abductions recorded

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Kidnappers in Nigeria demanded over N48 billion from victims and their families between July 2024 and June 2025.

This is according to the latest report by SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence, a geopolitical research firm.

In the report titled “Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry,” it was disclosed that out of the total amount of N48 billion demanded as ransom, only N2.57 billion was received.

According to SBM, no fewer than 4722 people were kidnapped in at least 997 incidents, in which at least 762 people were k!lled in the same period.

“Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis has evolved into a lucrative criminal enterprise, with N2.56 billion ($1.66 million) confirmed in ransom payments and 4,722 civilians abducted in just one year,” the report reads.

“The Northwest remains the most violent, while the Southeast and South-South face targeted religious abductions and financial extortion.

“Unless security forces dismantle these networks and address root causes—poverty, unemployment, and weak law enforcement—the cycle of kidnappings, ransoms, and deaths will continue unchecked, leaving ordinary Nigerians in perpetual fear.”

The firm explained that while the amount of naira paid in ransom has dramatically increased, the dollar equivalent has not kept pace.

For example, the report highlighted that in the 2022 report, a total of N653.7 million was paid, which equated to approximately $1.13 million.

The following year, the amount paid dropped to N302 million ($387,179).

“Although the NGN amount paid rose sharply to N1.05 billion in 2024, the USD equivalent was only around $655,000,” the report reads.

“The latest figures show a new high, with N2.56 billion paid, which amounts to approximately $1.66 million.

“This significant divergence between the NGN and USD amounts reflects the ongoing devaluation of the Nigerian currency.

“As the cost of living soars and legitimate livelihood opportunities dwindle, kidnapping has become a highly organised and pervasive criminal industry.”

The firm noted that the perpetrators are demanding increasingly higher sums in naira to compensate for the currency’s weakening purchasing power, thus transforming the crimes from a symptom of a weak security apparatus to a self-sustaining business model.

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Crime

Edo police, local hunters and vigilantes rescue 16 passengers kidnapped on Benin–Ore Expressway

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August 27, 2025

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Operatives of the Edo State Police Command in synergy with vigilantes and local hunters, have rescued 16 passengers kidnapped by gunmen on the Benin-Ore Expressway and Benin–Lagos Road.
13 passengers were whisked away by armed men around Ekhiadolor on the Benin-Ore Expressway Saturday afternoon, August 23, 2025 after gunmen attacked the bus they were in.
The kidnappers had shot the bus driver and abandoned him beside the bus before marching the victims into surrounding bushes.
The spokesperson of the command, CSP Moses Yamu, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, August 26, said additional three victims were safely rescued along the Benin–Lagos Road.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the successful rescue of sixteen (16) kidnapped victims in separate coordinated operations carried out along Benin–Lagos and Benin–Akure Roads,” the statement read.
“On 23rd August, 2025, at about 1730hrs and 1800hrs respectively, armed kidnappers blocked the highways and abducted innocent travellers. Distress calls were immediately received, prompting swift mobilisation of security resources.
“Operatives of Iguobazuwa Division and Ekiadolor Division, in synergy with Tactical Teams, Vigilantes, and Local Hunters, embarked on intensive and rigorous bush-combing operations to pursue the hoodlums and secure the release of the victims.
“Demonstrating strong leadership and personal commitment, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, *CP Monday Agbonika, fdc,* personally led the operation along the Benin–Akure axis. To enhance precision and coordination, the Command deployed advanced technical support, including drones, which proved instrumental in the rescue efforts.
“These combined efforts yielded significant success as six (6) victims were rescued along the Benin–Akure Road, one (1) who sustained gunshot injury during the attack and rescued from the scene by public-spirited individuals is currently responding to treatment.
“Similarly, three (3) additional victims were safely rescued along the Benin–Lagos Road.
“Furthermore, seven (7) victims of the Benin-Akure road kidnap regained their freedom in the evening of 25th August, 2025.”
The Commissioner of Police commended the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives, as well as the vital role played by Vigilantes and Local Hunters in the operations.
He noted that the synergy between formal law enforcement and community structures continues to prove effective in tackling violent crime.
CP Monday Agbonika further assured the public that the Command will not relent until the remaining victims are safely rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
He reiterated the resolve of the Edo State Police Command to ensure that criminals find no hiding place within the State.
“We are determined to rid our highways and communities of violent crime, and we will continue to deploy all resources, both human and technological, to guarantee the safety of every resident and travellers,” the CP said.
“The Edo State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property, and calls on members of the public to continue to trust and support the Police as we work together to secure our communities.”

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Crime

Senior Equatorial Guinea official jailed 8 years for embezzlement after s3x tape scandal

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August 27, 2025

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A top government official in Equatorial Guinea, Baltasar Ebang Engonga, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for embezzlement.

According to Vanguard, Engonga, who once headed the national financial investigation agency, was accused of diverting hundreds of thousands of dollars in travel expenses for personal use. Five other senior officials were also implicated in the case.

The scandal around him took a dramatic turn last year when several sex tapes featuring him with wives of other officials leaked online. Some of the clips were reportedly filmed in his own office at the finance ministry.

The videos went viral across social media, sparking parodies, memes, songs, and even a joke product called “Balthazariem” — a spoof virility drug named after him.

Despite the viral attention, the Bioko provincial tribunal has now handed him both prison time and a fine of $220,000.

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Crime

Teengers arested for kidnapping three minors in Kaduna and demanding N50m ransom from their father

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August 27, 2025

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The police in Kaduna state have arrested three teenagers for orchestrating the abduction of three siblings all under the age of 14 from their home in Calabar road by Sabon layi in Kaduna North on August 26.

According to the spokesperson of the command, DSP Masir Hassan, a distress report was lodged by a father that his three children Aslam Umar Lukman (14yrs), Suleiman Umar Tanko (12yrs), and Aliyu Umar Tanko (10yrs) were kidnapped on 25th August 2025 at about 1345hrs, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of fifty million naira (N50,000,000).

‘’Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Command, through strategic intelligence gathering and tactical communication, lured one of the suspects, Richard Philip the Kingpin, out of their hideout and eventually he was arrested. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and revealed that he conspired with Ibrahim Ma’aruf (18yrs) and Abubakar Sadiq (15yrs) to kidnap the children and hide them at his residence.”

Hassan said that acting on the credible intelligence, the police swiftly stormed the location, arrested the culprits, and rescued all three victims unhurt.

He said the rescued children have since been safely reunited with their family by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command.

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