This week we present a snapshot of the security situation across Nigeria from January 21 to 26, 2019 in collaboration with our security partners, PR24 Risk Management Consulting.
We focus on Violent Crimes, Civil Unrests, Robbery, Kidnapping, Insurgency, Militancy, Disasters, Rising Threat Levels, National Security & 2019 Elections, Rising Rape of Minor Cases, Increased Reports of Kidnap for Ritual, etc.
(Medium-High Risk)
This region recorded the highest level of violent crimes as at the time of compiling this report. Rape was the most prevalent crime in the region, particularly the defilement of minors. There were also reports of murder and assault. Robbery reports ticked up, with robbers employing different tricks to prey on unsuspecting members of the public. There was a disaster incident in this region also, and report of civil unrest which led to the arrest of 17 persons for looting and setting fires to shops in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Highlight: Taxi driver remanded for drugging, defiling 13-year-old in Lagos State.
Advisory: As incidents of rape in the region persist, females are advised to take special precautions to avoid becoming victims. Parents and guardians are also advised to keep close watch on their wards as minors seem to be major targets for the rapists. With a marked absence of significant RTAs, business trips in and around the region may be embarked on as needed; taking cognisance of the risk and edginess political rallies pose to business travel. The rise of armed robbery, however, means valuables should be kept out of sight to avoid inciting crimes of opportunity.
South-South/East
(Medium-High Risk)
This region recorded incidents of violent crimes, with rape and murder again leading the report logs. As in the South West region, minors seem to be a target for rapists, who take advantage of their naivety to rape them, sometimes repeatedly. While there were no reports of ritual killings in the region, there were incidents of kidnap and robbery with the victims, and in a particular incident, a by-stander, murdered afterwards. Meanwhile, reports of violent clashes between communities were recorded, with the latest, as at the time of this report, being the violent clash between two communities in Anambra State that resulted in extensive property damage.
Highlight: I slept with her only 5 times, says 44-yr-old man who raped a 7-yr-old girl.
Advisory: With the South in general becoming a hotbed for rape cases, women planning business travels to and from the region should exercise care, and security consciousness, as they could otherwise become targets. As communal clashes and disputes over territory begin to occur more frequently, trips to communities and settlements should be planned, brief and undertaken only when necessary. We advise employing trained security personnel to ensure safety of life and property for businesses located in the region. The risk of kidnap remains high!
North Central
(Medium-High Risk)
The government’s effort to quell insecurity in the area ahead of the 2019 general elections may be yielding fruit. However, there were reports of violent crimes and civil unrest particularly in Nassarawa, Niger and Kogi states.
Highlight: Gunmen kill three, burn houses in Nassarawa.
Advisory: The situation in Nassarawa State is one that requires caution as there have been reports of persistent clashes between Egbura and Bassa communities of Toto Local Government Area that have claimed lives and property worth millions of naira. We, thus, advise caution when moving in and around settlements and villages in the region and recommend a robust journey management plan.
(High risk)
The efforts of the Nigerian military at restoring peace and order to the region should be commended as their tactics and engagements were relatively successful in this period. The threat from armed gunmen in Sokoto and Kaduna states have subsided, and may eventually die out, if the army continues to gain the upper hand in the low-intensity battle against local militia and gunmen in the region.
Highlight: Two soldiers killed as troops decimate 58 bandits in Zamfara State.
Advisory: As the military ramps up its efforts at maintaining peace in the region, it is advised that means of proper identification should always be carried by business persons in and around the region to forestall misunderstandings. As the bandits flee from the onslaught, we advise against night-time travel through the region. The risk of road kidnap remains a key concern and the changing dynamics of the forthcoming elections heightens unpredictability. All road trips should be secured and situational alertness is advised when travelling through this region.
Northeast
(High-Extreme Risk)
In the battle between members of the military and the radical Islamic sect Boko Haram in the region, the military appears to be gaining on the terrorist sect, with successful raids and counterattacks. There was a report of disaster in the area with fire razing a house in Bauchi, but fortunately, no lives were lost. Reports on other violent crimes are being drowned by the war on terror. The risk of kidnap and armed violence remains a key concern.
Highlight: Army neutralises Boko Haram insurgents in Buni-Yadi.
Advisory: Threat conditions remain severe, dynamic and very fluid. We strongly advise against non-essential business travels. Road trips in and out of the region should be carefully planned and business travels should proceed with extreme caution, especially those that pass through communities in Yobe and Borno states.
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PR24 Risk Management Consulting
CONTACT US:
Website: www.pr24security.com
Skype: support_Pr24
Twitter: @PR24Nigeria
Email Address: info@pr24nigeria.com, support@pr24nigeria.com
Phone Numbers: +234 8094449044, +2348028774774
Office: 6 Olatunde Ayoola Street, Anthony-Obanikoro,
Lagos, Nigeria.