Nigeria: Criminal gang attacks banks in Offa April 5

Event

At approximately 16:30 (local time) on Thursday, April 5, a group of armed men attacks three banks and one police station in the town of Offa (Kwara state). Nine police officers and at least seven civilians were killed during the attacks. According to local sources, the suspected gang members fled the scene after seizing substantial amounts of money from at least one of the banks. A police investigation in currently ongoing.

Context

Violent crime is a major concern in Nigeria, and burglaries, extortion, kidnap for ransom and nighttime assaults are frequent in urban areas. Foreign nationals, affluent locals, and diplomatic dignitaries may be particularly targeted by criminals due to their perceived wealth. The slow reaction time of security forces heightens the risk of financially-motivated criminal behavior.

Advice

Individuals in Offa, and Kwara state more generally, are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the local authorities.

The security environment in Nigeria is complex, and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.