Nigeria: Gunmen abduct 22 people during attack on town in Kajuru LGA, Kaduna State, Feb. 16

Event

Unidentified gunmen raided the town of Idon, Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna State, during the early morning hours of Feb. 16. According to local officials, the suspected bandits kidnapped 22 people and injured four other during the attack. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the abductions.

Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security presence in in Kajuru LGA in the coming days and launch operations to apprehend the attackers and rescue the abductees. Localized transport disruptions are likely along main roads due to security checkpoints. Armed clashes between bandits and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Idon is around 69 km (43 miles) southeast of Kaduna city.

Context

Armed banditry is one of the primary security threats in central and northern Nigeria. Most kidnappings in the country are financially motivated and conducted by criminal groups of varying levels of sophistication. While locals are more likely to be targeted, the threat to foreign nationals remains; bandits regularly resort to lethal methods.

Advice

Exercise a high degree of vigilance due to the threat of violence and kidnapping. 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. Travel only in convoy and during daylight hours. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.