A total of 4,067 persons were abducted and 9,734 were killed by non-State armed gunmen in 2023.

According to a report by Abuja-based security firm, Beacon Consulting, a total of 519 persons were also abducted in December 2023 alone.

However, the report by Beacon Consulting also recorded 649 security incidents in December, representing a 10.36 per cent decrease compared to November 2023.

Also, 882 fatalities were recorded in December 2023, representing 32.98 per cent decrease compared to November 2023.

The report also revealed an 11.85 per cent increase in abductions compared with the November data.

“A total of 519 persons were abducted across 229 Local Government Areas in 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” Beacon Consulting stated.