- Viral video shows suspected bandits celebrating ₦103 million ransom
- Bundles of cash seen arranged on the floor in the footage
- One bandit confirms ₦53m and ₦50m stacks in the video
- Report highlights rising kidnapping crisis in Nigeria
A disturbing video circulating online has shown suspected bandits celebrating after allegedly receiving ₦103 million as ransom from their victims, raising fresh concerns about the growing kidnapping crisis in Nigeria.
In the footage, large bundles of cash were seen carefully arranged on the floor while several armed men stood around the money.
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During the video, one of the men, speaking in Hausa, asked about the total amount that had been collected. Another voice from the background responded that one pile contained ₦53 million while another stack amounted to about ₦50 million, bringing the total to approximately ₦103 million.
After confirming the amount, one of the men was heard expressing gratitude.
“Alhamdulillah, whatever I have achieved today is by God’s grace. All thanks and gratitude belong to Allah,” he said in the video.
The footage has since sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the increasing scale of ransom payments to criminal groups operating across parts of the country.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of the most persistent security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in northern regions where armed groups frequently abduct travellers, residents and students before demanding large payments for their release.
A report by SBM Intelligence revealed the scale of the crisis.
According to the report titled “Locust Business: The Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry – A 2025 Update,” at least 4,722 people were kidnapped across the country between July 2024 and June 2025.
Within that period:
• 997 kidnapping incidents were recorded nationwide
• ₦2.57 billion was paid in ransom
• 762 people lost their lives
The report also noted that civilians accounted for 563 deaths, while 180 kidnappers and 19 security agents were also killed during related incidents.
Researchers warned that paying ransom does not always guarantee survival, noting that at least 32 victims were killed while still in captivity.
The viral video has further intensified public debate about the effectiveness of security measures and the increasing financial incentives driving kidnapping operations.
Many citizens have called for stronger government action to curb the activities of criminal groups responsible for abductions across the country.
