France, Aug. 27 -- Abductions have become a key moneymaker for criminal groups in Africa's most populous country, especially jihadists and non-ideological armed gangs known as bandits.

Some 7.78 billion naira in ransom was paid between July 2025 and June 2026, the report, from Lagos-based consultancy SBM Intelligence, said - more than triple the 2.56 billion naira paid during the same period last year.

At least 7,825 people were abducted, up 66 percent compared with the same period last year, based on SBM's figures, which may be conservative since many victims do not want to speak about ransom payments, which are illegal in Nigeria.

A minimum of 1,142 people were killed, including 895 civilians, it added.

Security forces are overstret...