Over 7,000 Nigerians Held Captive by Terrorists Across Seven States Amid Worsening Security Crisis

Nigeria’s kidnapping epidemic has escalated into a full-blown national tragedy, with more than 7,000 citizens currently held hostage by terrorists across seven states, according to investigations by Opinion Nigeria.

Back in April 2014, the abduction of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State triggered global outrage, with many believing such mass kidnappings would never again occur in Nigeria. Eleven years later, many of those girls remain missing — and abductions have increased dramatically.

For more than two decades, Nigeria has faced unrelenting violence, including killings, mass kidnappings, and the destruction of entire communities. It reportedly took pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened forceful intervention over what he called a “Christian genocide,” before authorities intensified anti-terror actions.

Yet attacks continue. Thousands have been murdered, many displaced into IDP camps, and thousands more remain trapped in multiple terrorist camps, especially across northern states.

From Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, Kogi to Kano, armed groups hold men, women, children, farmers, students, and even traditional rulers — some for months, others for years — deepening what analysts describe as a humanitarian disaster.

The investigation reveals a grim reality: kidnapping has evolved into a structured criminal enterprise where ransom payments do not always guarantee survival.

Niger State: At Least 376 Still in Captivity

In recent months, Niger State has experienced repeated terrorist raids resulting in deaths, injuries, and hundreds abducted. Although no official figures exist, at least 376 victims are believed to still be in captivity.

Notable incidents include:

• September 29: Passengers in two 18-seater buses abducted along Zugurma–Ibbi Road.
• Same period: A former SUBEB chairman and a serving commissioner were kidnapped. Despite paying a huge ransom, the commissioner remains detained.
• November 15: 42 people abducted in Mashegu LGA; 16 vigilantes killed.
• November 27: 24 farmers kidnapped, including a pregnant woman.

The most shocking was the abduction of 315 pupils, students, and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri (Agwara LGA). Fifty escaped, but 265 remain captive, including 239 nursery/primary pupils, 14 secondary students, and 14 staff members.

Kwara State: 12 Hostages Including a Monarch

Kwara currently has 12 people in captivity, among them:

• Oba Ojibara of Bayagan, abducted on his farm
• A Fulani resident kidnapped nearly a month ago
• Ten villagers abducted in Isapa last Monday

Sokoto State: Over 500 Residents Held by Kidnappers

Public analyst Altine Guyawa reports over 500 victims held across 13 LGAs:

• 260 victims in Goronyo, Sabon Birni, Isa
• 36 victims in Kware and Wurno
• 56 victims in Rabah, Tureta, Dange/Shuni
• 136 victims in Illela, Tangaza, Gudu, Binji, Silame
• Unknown numbers in Kebbe

He listed multiple major terrorist camps, including Charima Kachalla Camp, Charande Camp, Sububu Forest (Zamfara), and hideouts of bandit commanders like Ali Dan Oga, Kachalla Chomo, and Kachalla Hamisu.

Guyawa warns the growing number of captives reflects a total collapse of rural security.

Zamfara State: Communities Report Over 6,000 Hostages

Residents estimate over 6,000 kidnapped victims across more than 100 terrorist camps, each reportedly holding about 500 captives.

Key findings:

• Some victims have spent over two years in captivity.
• Terrorists abduct victims daily for ransom; families often cannot meet demands.
• Some victims are killed for delayed ransom, others killed even after payment.

Example: In July, 35 kidnapped residents of Banga community were killed after paying the agreed ₦35 million ransom.

One victim, Alhaji Ibrahim Sani Wuya, said he spent seven months in a camp before regaining freedom after paying ₦5 million ransom.

Kano State: 15 Residents Still Held

In Tsanyawa LGA, 15 people remain in captivity. A recent attack in Yankamaye village left an elderly woman killed and three others abducted.

Terrorists also kidnapped two women, including the sister-in-law of a councillor, and 10 additional residents in Shanono LGA. None have been rescued.

Kaduna State: Hostages Held for Months in Rijana Forest

While no official numbers are available, reports confirm many victims held for months in camps across Rijana Forest, including individuals abducted as far back as June 2025.

Kogi State: Dozens Still in Terrorist Camps

Recent coordinated operations led to the rescue of 13 victims. However, many remain held, including members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ejiba, abducted during a church service.

Opinion Nigeria News