Zamfara and several other states in the northern part of the country have been identified as highly vulnerable to kidnapping for ransom, according to a new report by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.
The report, titled Typologies of Money Laundering Through Kidnapping for Ransom in Nigeria, revealed that over 735 mass abductions have occurred nationwide since 2019, underscoring the escalating security crisis linked to organised crime.
According to the report Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Taraba were listed among the most affected states in the northern region.
In the South, Delta, Rivers, Imo, Edo, and Ondo were listed.
High-risk transit corridors cited in the report include the Zamfara-Sokoto route, Gusau Road, Kaduna-Abuja Road, Niger-Abuja highway, Benin-Lagos highway, and Port Harcourt-Owerri Road.
These routes, the NFIU noted, have become hotspots for kidnappers who often exploit poor surveillance and porous borders.
It partly read, “According to the DIA respondent, the most vulnerable states for kidnapping for ransom are classified into northern and southern regions. States identified in the northern region include Kaduna, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kogi, and Borno, while states in the Southern part are Ondo, Rivers, Delta, Imo, and Edo.
“The respondent also identified the most abused routes for kidnapping for ransom in and out of Nigeria according to regions: Northern Region (Zamfara, Sokoto, Gusau road, Katsina-Birnin Kebbi road, Kaduna-Abuja Road, Niger-Abuja, Abuja-Lokoja highway) and (Benin-Lagos highway, Port Harcourt-Owerri Road, Enugu-Onitsha, Ibadan-Lagos, Ibadan-Ilorin highway).
“Respondents from NFIU stated that Kaduna, Niger, Kano, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Taraba are the most vulnerable states for kidnapping for ransom.”
The report added that victims are frequently transported on motorcycles through dense forests or hidden in remote locations, including isolated houses, motels, and criminal hideouts.
In several cases, hostages are moved across national borders to evade security forces.
The NFIU warned that kidnapping for ransom was no longer a standalone crime but a financial engine for terrorist groups, human traffickers, and drug cartels.
It also blamed the widespread use of cash transactions and unregulated financial systems for enabling the continued growth of this illicit industry.
“Since 2019, there have been over 735 mass abductions, with significant ransom payments reported. “The cash-based economy and use of informal channels complicate the tracing of illicit financial flows. The involvement of organized crime such as terrorist financing, human trafficking, and illicit drug trafficking exacerbates the problem,” it stated.
To tackle the menace, the report recommends a multifaceted national approach which included creation of specialised anti-money laundering courts.
“Strengthen Know-Your-Customer procedures and enhance suspicious transaction reporting to improve detection of ransom-related financial activities.
“ Invest in AI-based monitoring tools to identify patterns indicative of KFR. Telecom and ICT. Enforce SIM card registration and monitor digital platforms to reduce anonymity in criminal communications. Collaborate with law enforcement to provide call records and geolocation data for investigations, “ the report added.
