According to the United States Treasury Department, the average kidnap for ransom payment to Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) was $4.5 Million per hostage in 2010.
In 2011, the average amount of ransom paid increased to $5.4 Million per hostage.
Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is based in Mali and operates throughout Northern Africa.
Source: Adam Nossiter, “Millions in Ransoms Fuel Militants’ Clout in West Africa,” New York Times, December 12, 2012.