Nigeria kidnapping crisis 2026
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Kidnappings in Nigeria
Armed groups have kidnapped thousands of Nigerians in recent years and demanded ransoms for their release.
More than 500 people were taken in Niger State in the North-Central region of Nigeria in one of the latest attacks.
The Nigerian government is accused of failing to mount an effective response to the kidnappings.
Nigeria's growing kidnapping crisis
Three men were sentenced to life in prison for the attacks in Oyo state and confessed to being members of a Boko Haram affiliate.
President Bola Tinubu's administration raised the defence and security budget by 10% in December 2025.
The remaining 44 hostages from the Oyo state school attack were released after 56 days.
Nigeria hunts kidnapped mosque worshippers
Kidnappers released a video on Sunday showing a large group of people being held captive by armed men in a forested area.
The Nigerian presidency condemned the attack and pledged those responsible would be brought to justice.
Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to secure the release of the worshippers.