DSS Invites Statistician-General for Questioning Over Controversial Ransom Survey

The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly invited the Statistician-General of the Federation for questioning following the release of a contentious survey report on ransom payments in Nigeria. 

According to authoritative sources cited by Business Day NG, the DSS is examining the methodology and data behind the report, which suggests that ransom payments have reached alarming levels, eliciting significant national and international reactions.

The recent Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that Nigerians paid approximately N2.3 trillion in ransom to kidnappers within a 12-month period in 2024. This figure notably exceeds the N1.647 trillion allocated in the 2024 budget for various defense branches, including the Defense Headquarters, navy, army, air force, and other military-related institutions