Terrorists Hold Over 7,000 Nigerians Hostage Across Seven States

More than a decade after the 2014 abduction of over 200 Chibok schoolgirls an incident that drew global outrage Nigeria is again facing a wave of mass kidnappings on an unprecedented scale. Today, more than 7,000 citizens remain in captivity across at least seven states, as terrorist groups continue to unleash deadly attacks, sack communities, and abduct residents for ransom.

Despite multiple military operations over the years, and even past international pressure such as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning to intervene over alleged religious persecution the violence has persisted. Thousands have been killed, many displaced to IDP camps, and countless others are still held in camps scattered across the northern region.

From Sokoto to Zamfara, Niger to Kwara, Kaduna, Kogi, and Kano, men, women, children, farmers, students, and even traditional rulers have been abducted. Some have spent months in forest hideouts; others, years. What emerges from investigation is a stark portrait of a country where kidnapping has grown into a lucrative criminal industry and where paying ransom no longer guarantees release.

Niger State: 376 Hostages Still in Captivity

Niger State has witnessed a series of deadly attacks and mass abductions in recent months. At least 376 people are believed to still be held hostage.
Recent incidents include:

• September 29: Passengers in two Toyota buses kidnapped along Zugurma–Ibbi Road.
• Multiple attacks in Mashegu and Shiroro LGAs, including the abduction of 42 people on November 15 and 24 farmers days later.
• The kidnapping of 315 pupils, students, and staff of St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara. Although 50 escaped, 265 remain in captivity.

Even high-ranking officials have fallen victim: a serving commissioner kidnapped in September has not been released despite ransom payments.

Kwara State: Monarch Among 12 Still Held

In Kwara, at least 12 people, including the Oba Ojibara of Bayagan, remain in captivity. The monarch was abducted on his farm last weekend. Ten other residents kidnapped in Isapa are also still missing.

Sokoto State: Over 500 Residents Held by Kidnappers

Public affairs analyst Altine Guyawa reports that more than 500 residents are currently being held across 13 local government areas of Sokoto State.
His breakdown shows:

• 260 victims in Goronyo, Sabon Birni, and Isa LGAs
• 36 hostages in Kware and Wurno
• 56 victims held in Rabah, Tureta, and Dange/Shuni
• 136 captives across Illela, Tangaza, Gudu, Binji, and Silame

He also noted multiple terrorist camps inside Sububu Forest (Zamfara) and other locations run by notorious bandit commanders. According to him, the crisis reflects a near-total collapse of security in rural communities.

Zamfara State: Over 6,000 Kidnap Victims in More Than 100 Camps

Zamfara has become the epicenter of mass abductions, with community sources estimating more than 6,000 people still held across over 100 terrorist camps.
Many victims have been detained for more than two years due to families’ inability to pay ransom. Others have been killed for failing to meet ransom demands even after payments were made.

In July, 35 kidnap victims from Banga community were executed despite their families paying a ₦35 million ransom.

Former hostage Ibrahim Sani Wuya, abducted in 2021, described spending seven months in captivity before regaining freedom after paying ₦5 million. He called on federal and state authorities to dismantle what he described as a “thriving kidnapping industry.”

Kano State: 15 Victims Still Held

In Kano’s Tsanyawa LGA, 15 people 13 women and 2 men remain in captivity following a series of weekend attacks that left an elderly woman dead.
Bandits also raided communities in Shanono LGA, abducting about 10 more residents. None have been rescued.

Kaduna State: Hostages Held for Months

Although no official figure is available, recent reports indicate that several victims kidnapped as far back as June 2025 remain in terrorist camps within Rijana Forest and other parts of southern Kaduna.

Kogi State: Many Still Missing Despite Rescue Operations

Security forces in Kogi have rescued 13 victims in recent days, including recoveries by police, the Nigerian Army, and local hunters.
However, many others such as members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, kidnapped during a Sunday service are still in captivity.

Nigeria’s hostage crisis continues to escalate, deepening humanitarian suffering and raising fresh questions about the nation’s capacity to secure its territories. Communities across the affected states are calling for urgent, sustained government intervention before the situation deteriorates further.