Nigeria: Suspected bandits kidnap up to 24 local national students in Zamfara State Sept. 22

Event

Suspected bandits kidnapped up to 24 local national students at the Federal University Gusau in Sabon Gida, Zamfara State, on Sept. 22. Assailants stormed the campus at around 03:00-04:00 and kidnapped the students. Reports suggest the majority of victims are females. Security forces reportedly engaged assailants as they fled. There have been no reported casualties as of writing. Authorities have yet to comment.

In the coming hours and days, authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in the area to apprehend the attackers and rescue the abductees. Security forces may establish roadblocks, checkpoints, and search vehicles; localized curfews are also possible. Armed clashes involving kidnappers and security forces cannot be ruled out. Residents may also assemble to protest over recurrent insecurity.

Context

Most kidnappings in Nigeria are financially motivated and conducted by criminal groups of varying levels of sophistication. The threat is particularly acute in the northwest, including Zamfara, where officials have failed to curtail attacks and kidnappings despite various security measures implemented, such as increased operations, curfews, and business restrictions. Schools are often targeted in northern Nigeria. In the past, bandits and 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 Zamfara State.

Advice

Consult local security partners on the viability of traveling in and around the impacted locations. 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.