Nigeria: Four kidnapped priests released in Delta state Nov. 9 /update 1

Event

Police announced that the four Catholic priests kidnapped on November 6 in Delta state were released on Friday, November 9, in Abraka (Delta). The circumstances surrounding their release remain unclear. Several suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction.

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.