Kidnapping in Nigeria – Close Protection Requirements Imperative

News just breaking that 5 people have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta – the oil producing region for Nigeria, it is unknown at present whether the five people were under security supervision and close protection at the time.

The five are all journalists and South African news reports are quoting 3 of them as being Sports Journalists from the satellite SuperSport channel. The three journalists were kidnapped along with 2 Nigerians and it is possible they were en-route to the airport at the time.

the Niger Delta is attracting increasing attention from former rebels, it is recognised now that the presidential amnesty which pardoned many criminals and former rebels will fuel a rise in this type of activity. It is strongly recommeded that all foreigners should utilise close protection teams when travelling to and from the oil producing complexes from other locations especially airports.

The increase in this type of activity is driven by the need for the former rebels to supplement their former activities with other sources of income.

The Niger Delta is now a very high risk area for foreigners and advice on close protection is a must for all travellers in that region.