Nigeria: Unknown assailants kidnap students in Kaduna State Oct. 11

Event

Unidentified assailants invaded the Saint Albert Institute For Higher Education in Kagoma, Jamaa Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, the evening of Oct. 11. Attackers engaged with local vigilant groups for several hours and reportedly kidnapped an unverified number of students as they were fleeing the area. The identity of the assailants is unknown and there have been no reported ransom demands as of yet. Authorities have not confirmed the incident.

Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in the vicinity of the incident and may launch targeted operations in the region to apprehend the kidnappers. Localized transport disruptions, such as checkpoints, are likely along main roads. Officials may also enforce curfews or other movement and business restrictive measures. Officials had previously implemented such restrictions in September in an attempt to curtail banditry amid a deteriorating environment.

Context

Most kidnappings in Nigeria are financially motivated and conducted by criminal groups of varying levels of sophistication. Schools are regularly targeted in central and northern Nigeria. While locals are more likely to be affected, the threat to foreign nationals remains; bandits regularly resort to lethal methods. In the past, militant groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have also been involved in large-scale kidnappings in northern Nigeria, including in Kaduna State.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of vigilance due to the threat of violence and kidnapping. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. If operating in the area in the long term, vary routes and times of travel and ensure the use of secure transport. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.