Boko Haram planning to kidnap foreigners – US, UK

The United States Embassy in Nigeria and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office have raised alarm that the Islamist group, Boko Haram, is planning to kidnap expatriates working in the country.
A statement on the US embassy website, warned Americans to avoid a certain area in the North-East.

The statement said, “The US Embassy has received a credible report that Boko Haram is actively planning to kidnap foreigners working along the Kumshe-Banki axis in Bama Local Government Area, Borno State.
“Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”
In its message to British citizens, the UK government noted that, “Summary and Terrorism: Reports received (indicated) that Boko Haram is actively planning to kidnap western foreign workers in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, along with the Kumshe-Banki axis. The potential risk of kidnapping in areas where there is a Boko Haram presence, especially in the North-East of Nigeria (is high).”

Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people and its leader, Abubakar Shekau, a few days ago, released a video to dismiss reports he was killed in a military airstrike.