Nigeria: Suspected criminals kidnap residents north of Abuja within Federal Capital Territory March 10

Event

About 20 suspected criminals kidnaped an unspecified number of residents based in the Grow Homes Estate area located north of Abuja within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) late March 10. Up to 15 people may have been kidnapped; there have been no casualties reported. Reports also suggest that several residents initially escaped during a shooting involving kidnappers and security operatives. Authorities confirmed the incident and launched search-and-rescue operations in the area. There have been no reported ransom demands at the time of writing.

In the coming hours and days, authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in the vicinity of the incident site to apprehend the attackers and rescue the abductees. Localized travel disruptions are likely; security forces may establish roadblocks, checkpoints, and search vehicles. Armed clashes involving kidnappers and security forces cannot be ruled.

Context

There is a high threat of kidnapping across all states in Nigeria, including within the FCT. Routes to and from Abuja, the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria expressway (A2) notably, also remain vulnerable to violent incidents, including lethal attacks and kidnapping generally carried out by armed bandits.

The threat is particularly acute in the northwest, where officials have failed to curtail attacks and kidnappings despite various security measures implemented, such as increased operations, curfews, and business restrictions. 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.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of vigilance in Nigeria due to the threat of violence and kidnapping. Heed all official directives. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel. 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.