Despite repeated assurances by the Federal Government and military authorities, over 600 Nigerians, mostly women and children, are still languishing in kidnappers’ camps across Borno, Sokoto, Kaduna and Kwara States, Sunday Telegraph investigations have revealed.

The figure exposes a growing humanitarian crisis, with victims held for between two and six months in forest camps, many severely ill, emaciated and unable to secure freedom due to crippling ransom demands.

Borno: 78 pupils, 163 days held

In Borno State, 78 school children abducted from Mussa and Lassa communities on May 15, 2026 are still in captivity, 163 days later. The children were abducted the same day teachers and students were kidnapped in Oyo State.

While Oyo victims have been rescued, Borno parents say they have been abandoned. Chairman of the Association of Abducted Children’s Parents, Ishaku Suya, said no top security chief had visited the affected communities since the abduction, lamenting.

“We were surprised by the level of seriousness accorded to Oyo children, thinking that the same would be extended to our children. Unfortunately, we were left alone to grieve.”

The parents had threatened to occupy streets outside Presidential Villa in Abuja until President Bola Tinubu addressed them, but shelved the plan due to poverty and lack of transport fare.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Waidi Shuaibu, arrived in Maiduguri last Saturday, held a closed-door meeting with Operation Hadin Kai officers at Maimalari Cantonment and charged troops to ensure hit free 2027 elections.

Parents are now urging him to personally inspect Mussa and Lassa. Governor Babagana Zulum had earlier met President Tinubu in Abuja, with President directing security chiefs to launch rescue operations nationwide and Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, declaring an order to leave no terrorist camp standing.

Sokoto: Over 500 victims held by criminals

The worst toll is in Sokoto State, where more than 1,100 people were kidnapped in 12 months to June 2026. Public analyst, Altine Bashari Guyawa, said no fewer than 500 residents were currently held captive across 13 LGAs, while Vice Chairman of Sokoto Advancement Forum (SAF), Prof. Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, said banditry remains most serious security challenge.

Breakdown of those still held include 260 victims in Goronyo, Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs alone; 36 victims in Kware and Wurno, 56 victims in Rabah, Tureta and Dange/ Shuni, many spending months in forest camps; 136 victims in Illela,

Tangaza, Gudu, Binji and Silame and unspecified number in Kebbe LGA Recent incidents between June and July 2026 alone account for at least 68 still held, including 23 in Gajit Village, Sabon Birni; 12 in Gandi District,

Rabah; 12 in Illela Dawagware, Goronyo; 16 including 15 Almajiri children in Gidan Bakuso, Gada; and 9, including widows and children aged 10-15 in Illelar Dawagari, Goronyo.

Victims are reportedly kept in Charima Kachalla Camp and Charande Camp near Bakolori Dam, Sububu Forest in Maradun LGA of Zamfara, and hideouts of bandit commanders Ali Dan Oga, Kachalla Chomo and Kachalla Hamisu.

Families say they remain in captivity because they cannot meet huge ransoms, with bandits changing demands after part-payment.

A family in Chacho, Wurno LGA, paid N10million and three motorcycles after 49 days to free bride-to-be. The State Government said 153 victims have been rescued since 2024 through Operation Fansan Yamma.

Kaduna: 3-Year-old spends 168 days in bush

In Kaduna, six victims including 3-year-old Silvia Samuel are still in captivity 168 days after abduction from Awon Village in Kachia LGA. Former media aide to late Governor Patrick Yakowa, Reuben Buhari, who revealed the case, said Silvia and her pregnant mother were among 11 people abducted April 20 while walking along village.

“One escaped, four died in captivity. Tragedy struck as Silvia’s mother gave birth in captivity. The baby died, and mother died in September, leaving 3-year-old alone in kidnappers’ den”, according to him.

Among remaining captives are 14-year-old Faith, whose little brother Devine died in camp from hunger, and 14-year-old Racheal. Buhari said captives were in terrible condition covered in sores from insect bites, ringworm, bleeding gums, decaying teeth, severely emaciated from hunger and exposure, due to inability to pay ransom.

Kwara: 16 still held, N100m ransom

In Kwara, 13 residents of Woru/Nuku communities in Kaiama LGA abducted February 3, 2026 are still missing months after 163 of 176 victims were rescued in August.

Fresh tension gripped Budo-Oyinbo in Ifelodun LGA after kidnappers demanded N100million ransom for three abductees. Kidnappers allegedly took Mr. Tajudeen Salaudeen after mistaking him for their target, Mr. Tunde Aileru, former APC Youth Leader in Share Ward 5, whose wife Bashirat and niece, Ikmat are also held.

Community Chairman, Elder Deacon Sunday Samba, alleged attacks around Share are attempt to reduce voting strength of Ward known for supporting Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq since Otoge movement.

Police Spokesperson, SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to inquiries. Zamfara: Policy under fire In Zamfara, analyst Abdulrasheed Buhari Yandi condemned Governor Dauda Lawal’s no-negotiation stance, saying refusal without alternative protection plan has left unspecified number of victims in camps and allowed bandits to control communities and impose levies.

“Refusing to negotiate is only half of strategy. The other half is decisive action to neutralize bandits. You have refused to talk to bandits, and you have equally failed to stop them,” he said. Across all states, families have appealed to Federal Government and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts before more victims die in captivity. (Sunday Telegraph, excluding headline)