Nigeria: Gunmen kidnap university official in Lagos, Jan. 18

Event

Unidentified gunmen kidnapped Professor Johnson Fatokun, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Anchor University, in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, Jan. 18. Reports indicate that the assailants attacked the vehicle in Nasarawa en route to the airport to return to Lagos around 2100. A ransom has reportedly been demanded for the victim's safe return.

Context

The attack underscores the pervasive threat of kidnapping across Nigeria. Organized criminal elements often seek to kidnap foreigners and locals for financial gain.