Terrorists Keep Over 7,000 Nigerians in Captivity Across Seven States

In April 2014, the abduction of more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State by Boko Haram sparked global outrage. At the time, many Nigerians believed such a tragedy would never recur. Eleven years later, several of those girls remain missing.

For more than two decades, the nation has endured relentless killings, mass abductions for ransom, and the displacement of entire communities by terrorists. It even took a threat from former U.S. President Donald Trump—over alleged Christian persecution—for Nigerian authorities to intensify their counterterrorism efforts. Yet, attacks continue unabated. Thousands have been killed, many displaced in IDP camps, and countless others remain in terrorist dens scattered across the northern region.

From Sokoto to Zamfara, Niger to Kwara, Kaduna, Kogi and Kano, armed groups continue to hold men, women, children, farmers, students and even traditional rulers hostage—some for months, others for years—creating a deepening humanitarian crisis.

A Saturday Vanguard investigation paints a grim portrait of a country where kidnapping has evolved into a thriving criminal enterprise, and ransom payments no longer guarantee release.

In Niger State, terrorists have launched multiple deadly assaults in recent months, leaving several victims dead, injured, or abducted. Many of those seized remain in captivity due to unpaid ransom demands, while others who paid have still not been released. Although there is no official figure, at least 376 abducted persons are believed to still be held.

On September 29, passengers travelling in two Toyota 18-seater buses were kidnapped along the Zugurma–Ibbi road. A similar incident occurred on the Mokwa–New Bussa road in Mashegu LGA. Among those abducted were the immediate past Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board and a serving Commissioner in the State Independent Electoral Commission, despite ransom payments.

On November 15, 42 persons were abducted during coordinated attacks in Mashegu LGA, where 16 vigilantes were killed. Twelve days later, 24 farmers—including a pregnant woman—were seized from their rice fields in Palaita community in Shiroro LGA.

Between November 9 and 13, bandits invaded Dutsen Magaji village, kidnapping 22 people, and later abducting another 20 while they prayed in a mosque.

The most recent mass abduction involved St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, where 315 pupils, students and staff were taken. Although 50 escaped as they were being moved, 265 remain in captivity, including 239 nursery/primary pupils, 14 secondary students and 14 staff members.

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12 People Still Held in Kwara

In Kwara State, at least 12 individuals—including a monarch—are currently in captivity. Oba Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Rafiu Salami, was abducted last Saturday while on his farm. Another victim, a long-term Fulani resident of Isapa in Ekiti LGA, has been held for nearly a month, while ten others kidnapped last Monday at about 7 p.m. remain unaccounted for.

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Over 500 Residents Held in Sokoto

Public analyst Altine Guyawa reports that more than 500 people are being held across 13 LGAs in Sokoto. He describes the situation as a worsening humanitarian disaster.

According to him, 260 victims—mostly women—are held in Goronyo, Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs. Another 36 remain in captivity in Kware and Wurno LGAs. In Rabah, Tureta and Dange/Shuni, 56 more are held in forest camps, many for months.

Guyawa further notes that 136 victims are held across Illela, Tangaza, Gudu, Binji and Silame LGAs, while an unspecified number are captive in Kebbe LGA. Families are struggling to meet exorbitant ransom demands.

Victims are reportedly kept in various camps, including Charima Kachalla and Charande camps near Bakolori Dam, camps in Sububu Forest in Zamfara, and hideouts controlled by notorious commanders such as Ali Dan Oga, Kachalla Chomo and Kachalla Hamisu.

The growing number of captives, many of them breadwinners, women and students, has fueled widespread fear, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.

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Over 6,000 Kidnapped Victims in Zamfara

In Zamfara State, community members estimate that more than 6,000 victims are held across over 100 terrorist camps. Each camp reportedly houses more than 500 captives, some detained for over two years due to unpaid ransoms.

Terrorists abduct people daily and release victims only after ransom payments. Those unable to pay have been killed, and in some cases, victims have been murdered even after ransoms were collected. In July, 35 victims from Banga community in Kaura Namoda LGA were killed despite their families paying N35 million.

One survivor, Alhaji Ibrahim Sani Wuya of Anka LGA, said he spent seven months in captivity in 2021 before regaining freedom after paying N5 million. He described meeting hundreds of victims and heavily armed captors. Wuya called on federal and state authorities to end the insecurity that has become a lucrative enterprise.

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15 Still Missing in Kano

In Tsanyawa LGA of Kano State, 15 individuals—including 13 females—remain in captivity. Bandits attacked Yankamaye village late Saturday, killing an elderly woman and abducting three residents. The attack threw the community into panic.

Police spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa confirmed the incident and said security operatives had been deployed to track down the kidnappers.

Armed men also attacked another home, kidnapping two women, one of whom is the sister-in-law of a ward councillor. Additional attacks in Shanono LGA resulted in the abduction of about 10 more residents.

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Several Hostages Held for Months in Kaduna

Although official figures are unavailable, a recent report from the Rijana Forest area of Southern Kaduna indicates that several captives remain held in various camps, including victims kidnapped since June 2025.

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Multiple Victims Still Held in Kogi

In Kogi State, despite several rescue operations, many abductees remain in captivity. Security agencies recently freed 13 victims from various incidents—four by police, six by the Nigerian Army and three by local hunters mobilised by the state government.

However, numerous victims—including members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ejiba, kidnapped during a church service—remain in terrorist custody.