Nigeria: Four priests kidnapped in Delta state November 6

Event

On Wednesday, November 7, authorities announced that unidentified armed men abducted four Catholic priests in Delta state. The priests were reportedly kidnapped in the Ethiope East local government area of the state while traveling from Warri (Warri South local government area) to Benin (Edo state) on Tuesday, November 6. As of November 7, the identity of the assailants, as well as the whereabouts of the kidnapped priests, remain unknown.

Context

Kidnapping-for-ransom incidents are commonplace in Nigeria. Foreign nationals, affluent locals, and diplomatic dignitaries may be particularly targeted by criminals due to their perceived wealth. The apparent slow reaction time of security forces heightens the risk of financially motivated criminal behavior.

Advice

Individuals in Delta state are advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the local authorities.

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 Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.