Terrorism: Number of kidnappings 2022

In 2022, a total number of 4,508 people were kidnapped as a result of terrorism. That was a decrease to the year before, when 5,612 people were kidnapped. The most recorded kidnappings in the years included in this statistic was in 2016 with 15,664 cases.

Number of worldwide kidnappings due to terrorism from 2007 to 2022

Characteristic	Number of kidnappings
2022	4,508
2021	5,612
2020	4,471
2019	2,895
2018	3,534
2017	8,937
2016	15,664
2015	12,264
2014	9,461
2013	3,137
2012	1,283
2011	5,554
2010	6,051
2009	10,749
2008	4,680
2007	4,980

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Release date

April 2023

More information

Region

Worldwide

Survey time period

2007 to 2022

Supplementary notes

Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition. Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for a religious, political or ideological goal, and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians).
Data for 2007 to 2017 has been taken from respective previous publications.

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