The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that 614,937 Nigerians lost their lives, and 2,235,954 others were abducted across the country between May 2023 and April 2024. These findings are outlined in the NBS report titled "The Crime Experienced and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) 2024," which is based on surveys conducted during the review period.

The report revealed that an estimated N2.2 trillion was paid as ransom for kidnappings, with an average of N2.7 million demanded per incident. Rural areas recorded a higher murder rate, with 335,827 cases, compared to 279,110 in urban regions. Experts believe poor villagers bore the brunt of these crimes, even though high-profile abductions often dominate headlines. Regionally, the North West had the highest number of murder cases, with 206,030 recorded, followed by the North East with 188,992, while the South West reported the lowest at 15,693.

Nearly seven out of ten households nationwide reported murder cases to the police. Of these, 33% attributed the crimes to unknown perpetrators, 23.4% identified a member of their household as the offender, and 1% reported the involvement of a spouse or romantic partner.

The report also showed that 1,668,104 individuals were kidnapped in rural areas and 567,850 in urban regions. The North West recorded the most abductions, with 1,420,307 cases, followed by the North Central with 317,837, and the South East with 110,432. Among kidnapping cases, 82.1% of victims were released, 12.8% were killed, 3.3% remained in captivity, and 1.3% had unknown outcomes.

An estimated N2.2 trillion was paid as ransom during the period, with the North West accounting for N1.2 trillion, while the South East reported the least at N85.4 billion. The North Central had the highest rate of ransom payments by proportion, at 83.4%, followed by the North East at 78.6%. On average, urban households paid a ransom of N3.7 million per incident, compared to N2.3 million in rural areas.

The report identified ransom demands as the primary motivation for 91% of kidnappings, while political, criminal, or terrorist motives accounted for 2.4%. Personal or family disputes made up 2.1%, and custody disputes accounted for 0.5%.

On motor vehicle theft, 1,587,363 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide. The North West led with 603,756 cases, followed by the North Central with 246,329, while the South West had the fewest at 140,144. Rural areas experienced 887,002 cases, compared to 700,361 in urban regions. Of the households affected, 57.6% reported the thefts to the police.

Nigerians spent an average of N80,878 on security measures over the past year. The South East recorded the highest average expenditure at N135,398, followed by the North Central at N103,476, while the South West reported the lowest at N34,408. Urban households spent more on security, averaging N86,997, compared to N72,849 in rural areas.

In terms of safety perceptions, 31.7% of respondents felt most unsafe at Automated Teller Machine (ATM) points, 29.1% in public transportation, and 7% in religious places.