Authorities confirmed the kidnapping and release of foreign expatriates in Nigeria‘s respective Kogi and Kebbi states, according to reports released on 19 May. In the first incident, a Sri Lankan national employed by the Burni Coli Construction Company was seized near the Kogi State settlement of Yari. The victim, whose security escort was killed and driver wounded during the abduction, was seized while travelling between Okene to the neighbouring state of Ondo. In a separate incident, authorities confirmed the 15 May release of an Irish national. The victim, a Catholic priest, was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on 12 May. There is a high threat of kidnapping across Nigeria. Although it remains unclear who was behind this latest abduction, both organised criminal syndicates and Islamist militants are known to conduct kidnappings and have an operational presence in the region. Both groups periodically abduct locals and foreign nationals for the purposes of ransom and extortion. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to Nigeria is advised against. Persons in or planning to travel to the country are advised to implement comprehensive travel, residential and personal security measures and consider the use of a security escort, particularly if travelling outside of major urban centres. Clients are further advised to avoid travel after dark as far as practically possible. – by red24

A coalition of soldiers and civilian self-protection groups reportedly recaptured at least two towns in north eastern Nigeria which had earlier been seized by the Boko Haram Islamist extremist sect. The towns of Mubi and Chibok, located in the respective insurgent-embattled states of Adamawa and Borno, were allegedly liberated on 13 and 16 November, respectively. However, unconfirmed reports indicate that Boko Haram militants may have captured the Adamawa settlements of Hong and Gombi in recent days. Boko Haram’s capture of these locales has raised concerns that the sect may be planning a large-scale offensive on Adamawa’s state capital, Yola, which is located less than 100km from the aforementioned settlements. In other developments, at least 26 people were killed and scores more wounded in two separate bombings in northern Nigeria. In the first incident, a suspected suicide bomber attacked the Nagarshiku petrol station in the Hotoro area of Kano, Kano state, killing six people and wounding five others. A suicide bomber also similarly killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens at Kasuwan Jagol market in the town of Azare, Bauchi state. Although there were no claims of responsibility, authorities have attributed the attacks to Boko Haram. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to Nigeria continues to be advised against. In light of the Boko Haram insurgency, clients are further advised against all travel to the northern and central Adamawa, Borno, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau and Yobe states, which have all been significantly affected by insurgent-related violence. Persons travelling to the region despite this advisory should implement robust personal and residential security precautions at all times; these should include coordinating all movements within the presence of a security escort and ensuring that all accommodation is sought within secured compounds. – Information from Red24