Dead and Kidnapped in Islamist Attack in Central Nigeria

Nigeria, along with the West African Sahel states, is among the African countries most affected by Islamism and kidnappings. The northern neighbor Niger has responded this year with intensified military operations against jihadist groups. The violence now threatens to spread to other regions.

After the attack on Dikera, the army sent reinforcements to the affected area. Soldiers combed the surrounding area and re-established contact with the hostages. The number of dead and kidnapped is still being determined.

Military Response

Local eyewitnesses reported that the attackers had entered the town on motorcycles. They initially opened fire and then dragged residents out of their homes. An official casualty figure was not initially released.

The Islamist group Lakuwara has been active in the region for years and regularly carries out attacks on villages and market towns. The group professes an Islamist agenda and, according to reports, loosely cooperates with the jihadist militia Islamic State in West Africa.

Gangs and Kidnappings as a Business Model

In addition to the religiously motivated groups, numerous non-religious gangs are active in Nigeria, referred to by the population as "bandits." According to observers, these groups specialize in kidnappings and extortion of protection money, as documented by an AFP investigation. They also contribute to the deterioration of the security situation in the center and north of the country.

The new attack exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the region. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the violence in recent years. Aid organizations warn of a further increase in internally displaced persons if the violence is not contained.

Nigeria's international partners have repeatedly called for greater commitment in the fight against the armed groups. The West African community of states ECOWAS and the African Union are following the situation with concern, but direct military interventions are not currently planned.