Kidnappings on the rise in Nigeria, over 500 so far this year

More than 500 people have been kidnapped in Nigeria so far this year, up nearly 70 percent from all of last year, as militants and criminals expand targets to include religious figures and children, a federal minister said. Hundreds of foreign workers have been kidnapped over the past three years, prompting companies in sectors ranging from energy to telecoms to construction to withdraw most non-essential staff. Gangs have filled the void by kidnapping Nigerian politicians, children and religious figures.