11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

More than 200 abductions were reported in 2007; targeting both Nigerian and foreign nationals ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23389]

"Militants and criminals abducted more than 200 persons during the year, including women, children, and foreign citizens. The majority of abductions took place at oil facilities despite the presence of armed guards and military police escorts. For example, on July 6, the three-year-old daughter of a British national in Port Harcourt was abducted on her way to school and released three days later. On July 13, the three-year-old son of the traditional ruler of Iriebe, Rivers State, was abducted on his way to school and released the following day. On August 16, John Hana-Daher, a Syrian national, died after spending 31 days as a hostage in Bayelsa State. Bayelsa State Governor Chief Timipre Sylva said five suspects were arrested in conjunction with Hana-Daher's kidnapping; no names or further information was provided."

Document(s): Open document

10.09.2007 - Source: BBC News

Unknown gunmen kidnap 11 Nigerian ruling party officials, saying they were not paid to help rig elections in April ("Nigerian gunmen kidnap officials") [ID 21496]

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Imam detained since May 2003 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 15821]

"There were reports of politically motivated disappearances during the year. For example the government still had not responded to a court order to release a Kaduna central mosque imam detained since May 2003. It was not known whether the imam was still alive, and there were no updates oh his case during the year."

Document(s): Open document