Nigeria: Suspected armed bandits kill 25 in Kauru LGA, Kaduna State, Aug. 2

Event

Armed bandits killed at least 25 individuals and injured three others in Kauru Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, Aug. 2. Assailants attacked up to five villages burning down dozens of houses and farms. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Security forces are likely to maintain a heightened security posture in the affected area in the near term that may result in localized transport disruptions. Further such attacks remain likely.

Context

Armed banditry is one of the primary security threats in central and northern Nigeria due in part to the fragile economic situation. Conflicts are driven by competition for access to resources such as grazing areas and water. Further complicating the situation, the conflicts often have a communal component to them, which in turn fuels rounds of reprisal attacks between various communities. While locals are more likely to be affected, the threat to foreign nationals remains.

Advice

Contact local officials before departing large cities by ground. Travel in convoy and only during daylight hours. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Exercise a high level of personal security awareness and caution in the impact region.