Although Nigeria has one of Africa's biggest economies and armies, it is riven by corruption, soldiers are poorly paid and equipped, and the police force barely exists.
So kidnapping has become a lucrative business, as people pay what they can to release their loved ones.
Dozens of girls were ransomed after Boko Haram kidnapped hundreds ten years ago - though scores are still missing.
In one of the newest gripping narratives from us at the dpa trends & features desk, we hear how some of those freed are now pursuing their education. Each feature comes illustrated with high-quality photos ready for publication online or in print.
Do get in touch if you have any questions,
Allison Williams
dpa trends & features
\-----------------------
TOP FEATURE: Kidnapping now rife in Nigeria, say Chibok girls taken a decade ago
Nearly 300 girls were kidnapped from their school in Chibok by Boko Haram, a terrorist militia in Nigeria, a decade ago. With war raging elsewhere, the teenagers are no longer making headlines, but those who were ransomed cannot forget, while at least 82 are still missing.
Words: 989 - Images: 2
Deluge of traffic offence reports overwhelms German officials
A German cyclist has become a prolific reporter of parking offences, driven by safety concerns. Others are doing the same nationwide, generating thousands of cases. This has prompted support as well as criticism from the authorities - and hostility from stressed drivers.
Words: 877 - Images: 3
France and US: Two wildly different takes on in vitro fertilization
In vitro fertilization is suddenly the subject of intense political debate on both sides of the Atlantic. Paris is promoting it due to a declining birth rate, while in the US, it's opposed by conservatives.
Words: 1,519 - Images: 2
Bali's last salt farmers reveal 'white gold' in dark sands
Most salt is industrially processed but in Bali, it is won from the sea by farmers who harvest it by hand. The tradition has been handed down for generations but it is now a dying art.
Words: 611 - Images: 5
\-----------------------
The texts and images are exclusively available to dpa features customers. Clients can access the content as of now via our dpa-news.de portal.
New clients: please get in touch with the dpa Sales office or your regional sales rep to obtain terms of access to dpa features.
Contact:
Marion Struck
Director International Sales, dpa German Press Agency
Tel. +49 40 4113 32310
E-Mail struck.marion@dpa.com