Nigeria: Unidentified bandits kidnap 37 people in Niger State, Jan. 14-16

Event

Unidentified gunmen, possibly bandits, abducted at least 37 people in two incidents in Niger State, Jan. 14-16. At least 20 people were kidnapped from Duguru in Madaka Ward, Rafi Local Government Area (LGA), during travel to a local market Jan. 14. Up to 17 people were also abducted during attacks in the Bassa/Kukoki area of Shiroro LGA. Authorities have not stated if a ransom has been demanded.

Context

Kidnapping poses a high threat in Nigeria. Both locals and foreign nationals are regularly targeted in such incidents. Most kidnappings in Nigeria are financially motivated and conducted by criminal groups of varying levels of sophistication. Recent incidents in central and northern Nigeria have been attributed to bandits using the forested areas as hideouts.