Sub-Saharan Africa
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Over 100 Schoolkids Reportedly Kidnapped in Northwestern Nigeria

CC0 / Katerina Holmes / School desk with copybooks in modern classroom
School desk with copybooks in modern classroom
 - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 07.03.2024
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The West African nation has faced serious security challenges for more than a decade, including banditry, oil theft and terrorism, which remains the most difficult to combat.
More than 100 Nigerian schoolchildren have been kidnapped in the town of Kuriga in northwestern Nigeria, media reported, citing eyewitnesses.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of the morning while the students were gathered at the assembly ground at around 08:30 local time (07:30 GMT).

Eyewitnesses described how dozens of gunmen on motorcycles stormed through the school compound and seized the students, who ranged in age from eight to 15, as well as a teacher.

One pupil was shot by the gunmen during the abduction and is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.
A day earlier, dozens of women and children were reportedly taken by the Boko Haram Islamist group* in north-eastern Nigeria while collecting firewood.
A Formed Police Unit  watches as new arrivals from Nigeria load their gear - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 04.02.2024
Sub-Saharan Africa
At Least Four Policemen Killed in Nigeria While Defending Station From Armed Attackers: Police
Nigeria has recently experienced security problems, with sporadic attacks and kidnappings by Islamic extremists.
In early February, four policemen were killed in an attack by unknown gunmen on a police station in northeastern Nigeria.
A day prior to that, assailants invaded the palace of the traditional ruler, Oba Aremu Olusegun Cole, where they murdered him and abducted his wife and another person.
Boko Haram has been known for kidnappings and killings since 2002. In March 2015, Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the terrorist group Daesh* and changed its name to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). In 2016, however, Boko Haram redefined itself as a separate group.
* Terrorist organizations banned in Russia and many other states.
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