Nigeria: Security forces free 97 hostages during operations in Zamfara State Jan. 3

Event

Security forces have rescued a total of 97 hostages during separate operations in the Shinkafi and Tsafe areas of Zamfara State Jan. 3. Criminal groups had kidnapped the victims in isolated communities and along roads in Zamfara and Sokoto states. The victims remained in captivity for at least three months. It remains unclear whether a ransom was paid for their release; officials claimed that the hostages were rescued amid joint security operations targeting criminal strongholds.

Kidnappings carried out by criminal armed groups are nonetheless likely to persist in the near term in the northwest.

Context

Most kidnappings in Nigeria are financially motivated and conducted by criminal groups of varying levels of sophistication. While locals are more likely to be affected, the threat to foreign nationals remains; bandits regularly resort to lethal methods. The threat is elevated in the northwest where officials have implemented various security measures in recent months (such as increased operations, curfews, and business restrictions), including in Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, and Zamfara states, in an attempt to curtail banditry and other criminal activity. Authorities may enact or lift existing security measures with no or little warning.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of vigilance due to the threat of kidnapping in Nigeria. 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. Heed the directives of local officials.