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Nigerians paid N2.23tn in ransoms to bandits – NBS Report

Published

3 days ago

December 18, 2024

National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

Nigerians paid N2.23tn in ransoms to bandits – NBS Report

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has unveiled alarming figures in its latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, revealing that Nigerians paid an estimated N2.23 trillion in ransoms to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024.

The report sheds light on the increasing rate of crime incidents across the country and the growing distrust in law enforcement.

During the one-year period, Nigerian households recorded a staggering 51.89 million crime incidents. The North-West emerged as the region with the highest number of cases, accounting for 14.4 million incidents, while the North-Central followed with 8.8 million cases. On the other hand, the South-East recorded the least crime, with 6.18 million incidents reported.

Kidnapping has become a critical security challenge in Nigeria. The NBS report indicates that 4.14 million households were affected by kidnapping incidents within the period.

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Shockingly, 65% of the victims reported paying ransoms, with an average ransom of N2.67 million per case. This contributed to the nationwide total of N2.23 trillion in ransom payments.

Despite these startling numbers, underreporting remains a major issue. Only 36.3% of home robbery victims and a similarly low percentage of kidnapping victims reported their experiences to the authorities. The survey cites a lack of trust in the effectiveness of law enforcement as a major reason for this trend.

The report highlights Nigerians’ limited confidence in formal security agencies, which further complicates the fight against crime. Many victims expressed skepticism about the ability of the police to intervene effectively, leading to widespread underreporting of incidents. This mistrust is particularly evident among victims of sexual offences, with only 22.7% reporting such crimes to the authorities.

The survey revealed that rural areas are disproportionately affected by insecurity. Out of the total crime incidents, 26.53 million occurred in rural areas, compared to 25.36 million incidents in urban areas. Many rural communities have turned to local vigilantes, who are perceived as more reliable than formal security forces.

The report also sheds light on the types of crimes Nigerians faced during the survey period. Phone theft was the most prevalent, affecting 13.8% of the population, while other offences, including sexual crimes, continued to show low reporting rates.

Nigerians paid N2.23tn in ransoms to bandits – NBS Report

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Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has successfully apprehended 19 individuals attempting to stow away on Europe-bound vessels.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, the ship’s Information Officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed that 15 stowaways were intercepted on Dec. 19 aboard the European-bound Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY. Another four were caught on Dec. 21 aboard MT MCC YANBU.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe,” Ibrahim stated.

The Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT), operating from ATLAS COVE and using the Falcon Eye Alignment under the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, facilitated the interception of the 15 individuals near the Lagos fairway buoy.

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Ibrahim further explained that credible intelligence led to the interception of the additional four stowaways by Navy personnel deployed on escort duties aboard the vessel.

“The prompt response of the QRT saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” he added.

The first group of 15 individuals has been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, for further investigation and necessary action. The remaining four suspects will also be transferred in due course.

“The presence of stowaways poses serious security threats to maritime operations, including risks of smuggling, piracy, drug and human trafficking, among other maritime crimes,” Ibrahim noted.

He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT will continue maintaining security along Lagos waterways and surrounding creeks to support safe maritime activities and economic growth.

Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

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Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

Nigerian military troops

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected members of Ambazonian rebels in Taraba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambazonia is a rebel group operating in neighbouring Cameroon Republic.

A statement on Saturday in Jalingo by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, said the suspects were arrested at a hotel in Takum town.

The statement said that acting on credible intelligence, the suspects were tracked and apprehended.

According to the statement, during initial interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of the rebel group involved in arms proliferation in exchange for cocoa with their Nigerian collaborators.

It said that four mobile handsets were recovered from the suspects now in detention undergoing further investigation.

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The statement also said that in another operation following actionable intelligence, troops deployed at Natilde community in Bantaji District of Wukari Local Government Area intercepted a truck with registration number WKR 66 BB, transporting 19 pieces of stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

It said that further collaborative efforts with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wukari Division led to the recovery of an additional 11 pipes, bringing the total to 30.

“The recovered items have been handed over to the NSCDC Wukari Division for further investigation and necessary action.

“The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the security of critical national infrastructure.

“We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance our collective efforts in maintaining peace and security,” the statement added.

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

(NAN)

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NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to the public, reiterating that enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is entirely free of charge. The Commission emphasized that it neither charges nor authorizes its staff or Front End Partners (FEPs) to demand payment for NIN registration.

In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for extortion and pledged to take decisive action against offenders. To ensure compliance, the Commission has directed security agencies to identify and prosecute any staff or FEPs involved in such illegal activities.

“Anyone caught engaging in extortion will face sanctions in line with the provisions of the law, including the withdrawal of licenses for culpable FEPs,” the statement read.

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NIMC also urged the public to report any cases of extortion. Complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] or by calling 0700-2255-646. The Commission assured Nigerians that all reports would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken to address any violations.

Reaffirming its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery, NIMC pledged to provide seamless and hassle-free enrollment processes for all Nigerians. The Commission expressed its determination to eliminate corruption and protect citizens from exploitation during NIN registration.

This announcement is a clear signal of NIMC’s dedication to upholding integrity and ensuring that the NIN enrollment process remains accessible and free for all. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any attempts at extortion to help maintain the credibility of the system.