A new report by Sunday Vanguard says at least 529 Nigerians remain in captivity following a series of documented kidnapping incidents across the country, despite recent rescue operations by security forces.
The report comes days after security operatives rescued 39 pupils and seven teachers abducted from schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as victims seized during an attack on a secondary school in Kogi State.
According to the report, the 529 unresolved cases involve schoolchildren, worshippers, farmers, villagers, commuters, traditional leaders and security personnel who were abducted in at least eight major incidents between February and July 2026.
Among the largest unresolved cases are:
▪️︎ 176 residents of Woro community in Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, reportedly held for more than five months.
▪️︎ 42 pupils abducted from Mussa community in Askira-Uba LGA of Borno State.
▪️︎ 150 residents abducted from communities in Zamfara State.
▪️︎ 37 worshippers kidnapped during Easter celebrations in Kaduna State.
▪️︎ 11 residents abducted from Awon community in Kaduna State.
▪️︎ 18 passengers abducted along the Abuja–Sokoto highway.
▪️︎ Three soldiers recently abducted while travelling to Zamfara State.
The report notes that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that troops rescued 1,764 kidnapped and abducted persons between January and June 2026, reflecting intensified military operations across different theatres.
However, security experts quoted in the report argue that while rescue operations have recorded successes, fresh abductions continue to occur, allowing kidnapping networks to remain active.
The report also cites estimates from some civil society organisations suggesting the actual number of people still in captivity across Nigeria could be much higher than the documented figure, although those broader estimates have not been independently verified.
Security analysts called for improved intelligence coordination, stronger political commitment, disruption of kidnapping networks, and the establishment of a national database of kidnap victims to improve accountability and rescue efforts.
For many affected families, the report says the prolonged captivity of loved ones continues to impose severe emotional and financial hardship as they await news of their release.