Nigeria: Armed attack on security escort leaves one Chinese national dead near Maradun LGA, Zamfara State, Dec. 22

Event

Unidentified armed assailants attacked a vehicle carrying two Chinese contractors and their police escort while en route to Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Dec. 22; the two contractors were traveling to assess a government project in the area. One of the Chinese nationals was killed and the other wounded in the ambush; security forces stationed nearby responded, killing at least 11 of the suspected attackers. Additional security personnel have been deployed to assist in the area's already ongoing security operation.

Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in the affected area in the near term and may launch targeted operations to apprehend suspects who fled the scene. Local officials could impose movement restrictions, including checkpoints, particularly along the Gusau-Tsafe-Yankara route and the Zamfara-Katsina highway.

Context

Armed banditry is one of the primary security threats in central and northern Nigeria. Most kidnappings in Nigeria are financially motivated and conducted by criminal groups of varying levels of sophistication. Bandits regularly resort to lethal methods. While locals are more likely to be affected, the threat to foreign nationals remains.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of vigilance in Zamfara State due to the threat of armed attack and kidnapping. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. If operating in the area over the long term, vary routes and times of travel and use secure transport. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.