Nigeria: Syrian national abducted in Sokoto state May 16

Event

A Syrian national was reportedly abducted by unidentified gunmen in the northern state of Sokoto on Wednesday, May 16. The victim was kidnapped while traveling between the Bodinga and Shagari local government areas (LGAs). During the incident, three police officers were also shot and killed by the attackers. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction as of May 16.

Context

Kidnap for ransom - both of high-net-worth Nigerians and of foreign nationals - is commonplace in the country. On April 16, one German national was reportedly kidnapped in the city of Kano (Kano state). On April 10, unidentified gunmen kidnapped the son of a Syrian businessman in Kano state; according to a police spokesperson, the victim was released on April 14.

Advice

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 Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.