A new report published by Agenzia Fides on March 12 has highlighted the alarming trend of kidnappings targeting Catholic priests in Nigeria over the past decade. According to the report, 145 Catholic priests have been abducted in the country between 2015 and 2025, with 11 of them killed and four others still missing.

The highest number of kidnappings occurred in the provinces of Owerri, Onitsha, and Kaduna. Owerri recorded 47 cases, making it the most affected region, though all but two priests were released. Onitsha followed with 30 cases, and Kaduna reported 24 incidents, with the highest number of fatalities—seven priests killed. The report attributes this to heightened terrorist activity, insurgency, and religious tensions in northern Nigeria.

Other affected provinces include Abuja, Benin, and Lagos, though Lagos was described as the safest area for clergy due to better security measures. In contrast, Kaduna was labeled the most dangerous region, with kidnappings frequently ending in fatalities.

The ongoing crisis has drawn condemnation from the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa (RECOWA), which described the kidnapping and killing of Catholic priests as a growing evil. RECOWA noted that in Nigeria, almost every month brings news of a priest’s abduction. The bishops urged clergy members in high-risk areas to continue serving the poor and marginalized despite the dangers they face.

The report underscores the broader security challenges in Nigeria, where kidnappings and attacks on Christians remain widespread, particularly in the northern regions. Aid to the Church in Need International reported that in 2024 alone, 13 Catholic priests were kidnapped in the country.

Religious leaders and human rights advocates continue to call for stronger security measures to protect clergy and other vulnerable communities from the rising wave of violence.