Nigeria will struggle to contain bandit threat

Significance

According to the Nigerian Railway Corporation, at least eight passengers were killed and 168 are missing -- likely abducted. The attack, targeting a route favoured by middle- and upper-class Nigerians who can afford tickets, has reverberated throughout Nigerian politics.

Impacts

• The federal government will look to enhance security on other rail lines.
• High-profile attacks such as this will exacerbate ethnic and religious tensions in Kaduna.
• Growing insecurity will negatively impact commercial activity involving inter-city travel.