25 Nov 2023 | 01:20 PM UTC
Nigeria: Suspected bandits carry out large-scale kidnapping across Madu LGA, Zamfara State, Nov. 24
Suspected bandits kidnap over 100 people across localities of Madu LGA, Zamfara State, Nigeria, Nov. 24. Insecurity persists in the region.
Suspected bandits kidnaped over 100 people during coordinated operations across various localities of the Madu Local Government Area (LGA), Zamfara, late Nov. 24. At least one individual was killed. There are reports of ransom demands. Maru LGA has seen similar incidents in recent months, including in the Ruwan Doruwa locality on Nov. 19, where at least one policeman was killed and about a dozen residents kidnapped.
Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in the area over the coming days and conduct operations to apprehend the attackers and rescue the abductees. Security forces may establish roadblocks, checkpoints, and search vehicles. Armed clashes involving kidnappers and security forces cannot be ruled out. Residents may also assemble to protest over recurrent insecurity.
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.
The incident highlights the pervasive insecurity in northwestern Nigeria, where violence persists despite various security measures implemented (such as increased operations, curfews, and business restrictions). Armed gangs, also called bandits, engage in various criminal activities, including cattle rustling, looting, extortion, and kidnappings for ransom. Extremist groups such as Boko Haram or the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), operating primarily in the northeast, may also conduct kidnappings that may be ideologically or financially motivated in parts of the northwest. Criminal and extremist groups often target communities that do not comply with their demands, or they accuse them of transmitting information to security forces. Further similar attacks remain likely.
