Nigeria: Security forces release remaining victims following kidnapping in Igueben LGA, Edo State, Jan. 7. /update 2

Event

Authorities announced Jan. 18 that all the remaining victims previously kidnapped from Tom Ikimi train station in Igueben Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State on Jan. 7 have been released. At least 20 individuals were initially abducted, with some conflicting reports stating 32. Security officials also announced the arrest of seven suspects, including two traditional rulers. Further details are unavailable. While the exact motives for the kidnapping remain unconfirmed, the incident appears financially motivated; kidnappers reportedly asked for an N20 million ransom for each victim.

Context

There is a high threat of kidnapping across all states in Nigeria. Most kidnappings in Nigeria are financially motivated and conducted by criminal groups of varying levels of sophistication. Militant and/or extremist groups also conduct kidnappings that may be ideologically or financially motivated. Non-traditional kidnapping variants, such as express kidnapping and short-term extortion, frequently occur in urban centers.