Nigeria: Four UK nationals kidnapped in Delta state Oct. 13

Event

Four UK nationals involved in missionary activity were reportedly kidnapped in Enukorowa community in the Burutu area of Delta state on Friday, October 13. The incident reportedly occurred around 02:00 (local time), but further details remain limited. A search operation is believed to be ongoing.

Context

Kidnap for ransom - both of high net worth Nigerians and of foreign nationals - is commonplace in the country, especially in the restive southern region. Delta state is located within the Niger Delta region, where a number of militant groups are active.

Advice

The security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.