(DDM) – A German national has been stabbed and robbed by suspected motorcycle gang members in Abuja, sparking renewed fears over the safety of foreigners in Nigeria’s capital.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the incident occurred around 8am on Saturday along Ibrahim Babangida Way, near Maitama Primary School.
The victim was reportedly attacked by hoodlums riding motorcycles, a tactic increasingly used by criminals to carry out fast robberies in the city.
Security advisories circulated shortly after the attack indicated that the assailants dispossessed the foreign national of valuable items before fleeing the scene.
The victim sustained injuries from stab wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, though his condition has not been officially disclosed.
Residents have raised alarm about the surge in motorcycle-enabled crimes within the Federal Capital Territory, with both locals and expatriates being frequent targets.
Law enforcement sources admitted that motorcycle gangs operate with speed and mobility, making it difficult for police patrols to contain them.
The Maitama axis, home to embassies, government officials, and wealthy residents, has in recent years become a hotspot for targeted robberies and violent attacks.
Security experts warn that such incidents pose serious threats to Abuja’s international reputation, especially as it hosts diplomatic missions and multinational corporations.
They advised residents and expatriates to exercise extreme caution when moving around the city, particularly in the early hours of the morning.
Experts further cautioned against the public display of valuables such as phones, jewelry, and laptops, which often attract criminal gangs.
Many residents have now been urged to use secure transportation services, private security escorts, or ride-hailing platforms with verified drivers.
Authorities are being pressured to intensify patrols across major roads in Abuja, especially areas where schools, offices, and foreign missions are concentrated.
Civil society groups have repeatedly called for a ban on commercial motorcycles in the city, citing their role in violent crimes and abductions.
However, critics argue that banning motorcycles without alternative jobs for riders could worsen unemployment and push more youths into crime.
The German Embassy has not issued an official statement, but diplomats often raise security concerns with the federal government after such incidents.
Observers fear that rising insecurity in Abuja could discourage foreign investment and complicate Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements with international partners.
This latest incident underscores what analysts describe as Abuja’s “lawlessness problem,” where rising urban crime undermines the city’s image as a safe haven.
The police are yet to confirm any arrests, but investigations are said to be ongoing as pressure mounts on security agencies to deliver results.