Incident Summary:

01/20/2012: An explosive device detonated at the headquarters of the state security services in Kano city, Nigeria. Folowing the blast, assailants then opened fire on the headquarters. This was one of 15 incidents in Kano on the same day. At least 187 people were killed and 50 other people were injured across all 15 attacks. Boko Haram claimed responsibility and stated that the incidents were in revenge for police arrests and murders of group members.

GTD ID:
201201200003

When:
2012-01-20

Country:
Nigeria

Region:
Sub-Saharan Africa

Province/administrative
region/u.s. state:

Kano

City:
Kano

Location Details:
Attack targeted headquarters of State Security Services

Attack Information
Type of Attack (more) Armed Assault
Type of Attack (more) Bombing/Explosion
Successful Attack? (more) Yes
Target Information (more)
Target Type: Government (General)
Name of Entity State Security Service (SSS)
Specific Description Members
Nationality of Target Nigeria
Additional Information
Hostages No
Ransom No
Property Damage Yes
Extent of Property Damage Minor (likely < $1 million)
Value of Property Damage Unknown
Weapon Information
Type Sub-type
Explosives Unknown Explosive Type
Firearms Unknown Gun Type
Additional Information
Suicide Attack?No
Part of Multiple Incident?Yes
Criterion 1 (more) Yes
Criterion 2 (more) Yes
Criterion 3 (more) Yes
Doubt Terrorism Proper (more) No
Additional Information Casualty numbers for this attack represent an equal division of a cumulative total of casualties covering incidents 201201200001, 201201200002, 201201200003, 201201200004, 201201200005, 201201200006, 201201200007, 201201200008, 201201200024, 201201200030, and 201201200031.
Perpetrator Group Information
Group Name Claimed Responsibility
Boko Haram Yes (Confirmed: Unknown; Mode: Note left at scene)
Perpetrator Statistics
Number of Perpetrators Unknown
Number of Captured Perpetrators 0
Casualty Information
Total Number of Casualties 17 Fatalities / 5 Injured
Total Number of Fatalities 17
Number of U.S. Fatalities 0
Number of Perpetrator Fatalities Unknown
Total Number of Injured 5
Number of U.S. Injured 0
Number of Perpetrators Injured Unknown
Sources
"Death toll rises in Nigeria's Kano blasts," Al Jazeera English, January 21, 2012.
"Nigeria arrests 200 after attacks, mostly Chadians: source," Agence France Presse -- English, January 26, 2012.
"Mosque prayer service in Nigeria after attacks," Associated Press Online, January 23, 2012.