LAGOS, Dec 2 (AGCNewsNet) – At least 34 Nigerians were kidnapped over the weekend in separate attacks in Borno and Kano states, highlighting the persistence of mass abductions in northern Nigeria, according to security sources and UN reports.

Armed groups commonly referred to as “bandits” reportedly carried out twin attacks in the villages of Unguwar Tsamiya and Dabawa in Kano state, abducting at least 25 residents. Kidnappings are uncommon in Nigeria’s northern commercial hub, making the incidents particularly alarming.

In northeastern Borno state, the epicentre of a long-running jihadist insurgency, nine onion farmers were kidnapped by suspected jihadists, security sources said. These incidents follow a wave of kidnappings in November, during which hundreds of people, including over 300 schoolchildren, were abducted.

Security analysts note that kidnappings in Nigeria have evolved into a structured, profit-driven industry. Between July 2024 and June 2025, at least 4,722 people were abducted in 997 reported incidents, with 762 fatalities. Ransoms paid to kidnappers during this period reportedly totaled around 2.57 billion naira (approximately $1.66 million).

President Bola Tinubu, expressing concern over the crisis, called on communities to support security forces by sharing intelligence to prevent abductions and protect children. “Those who threaten the safety of our citizens will face the full weight of the Nigerian state,” he said.

While motivated largely by profit rather than ideology, kidnappers exploit regions with limited state presence, conducting abductions, extortion, and looting. Government attempts to negotiate truces with bandit groups have occasionally reduced violence locally, but critics warn these agreements often allow armed groups to use safe areas as bases for attacks on neighboring communities.

The surge in kidnappings comes as the UN issues warnings of a growing mass abduction crisis in Nigeria, renewing calls for urgent government action to protect civilians and stabilize affected regions.

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