This week we present a snapshot of the security situation across Nigeria from February 4 – 9, 2019 in collaboration with our security partners, PR24 Risk Management Consulting.
This week the focus is particularly on the general election slated for Saturday, February 16 but also 0n violent crimes, civil unrests, robbery, kidnapping, insurgency, militancy, disasters, rising threat levels, national security, rising rape of minor cases, increased reports of kidnap for ritual, etc.
Southwest
(Medium-High Risk)
Violent crimes threatened safety in this region. Incidents of rape and cruelty allegedly perpetrated by adults constituted a trend in violent crimes in the region. Ritual killings made the headlines in this region, with suspected ritual killers caught in possession of severed body parts intended for money rituals. Cases of manslaughter, road traffic accidents (RTAs), kidnappings and robberies also made headlines, along with a report of civil unrest in the region. Significant RTAs, some fatal, were recorded in Ogun, Lagos, Osun and Oyo states.
Highlight: Two Lagos big boys arrested for drugging, raping girl in Lekki, Lagos.
Advisory: Rape incidents are becoming rife, as extant laws do not appear adequate to put offenders in check. Individuals are strongly advised to monitor and question their wards, particularly minors, as they seem to be major targets as they are more vulnerable and may be too scared or ashamed to speak up after attacks.
With reports of robbery on the rise, we advise that valuables be kept safe and out of easy reach. Most major roads in states across the region are busy with campaign teams travelling a lot, and an increase in traffic means an increase in risk of RTAs, so caution is advised for persons travelling within the region.
South-south/east
(Medium-High Risk)
Violent crimes proved to be the greatest threat to security in this region, mostly because of aggrieved residents taking matters into their own hands, with kidnappings being the next major issue as at the time of this report. There were significant records of RTAs, ritual killings, robberies and disasters in the region. A five-man gang and a separate two-member female gang notorious for kidnapping school children have been reportedly captured by security operatives in Enugu State. Disaster also struck in an incident, which left thousands of PVCs gutted by a fire that razed an INEC office in Isiala-Ngwa South LGA of Abia State.
Highlight: Police detain 6 for pouring pepper into suspected female thief’s private part
Advisory: Ritual killings and kidnappings make night time travel risky in this region. We also advise employing the services of trained and preferably armed security personnel for trips in and out of states in the region. Opportunistic crime is without doubt a quick avenue for profit making, especially during periods of heightened risks such as the upcoming elections. As such individuals are advised to keep abreast of security updates and remain aware of high-risk areas in their various localities. Restrict unplanned or unnecessary movements and stay safe.
North Central
(Medium-High Risk)
As in the south, the biggest security threats in this region appear to be violent crimes, with equal records of ritual killings and RTAs as at the time of this report.
There were also incidents of robberies and disasters, and renewed activities of armed marauders with an attack on Benue communities barely 48 hours before the commencement of the APC presidential aspirant’s campaign in the state. Outbreaks of Lassa fever and meningitis were reported in the FCT. 77 new cases were recorded in 13 states across the nation leaving an estimated 26 persons dead.
Highlight: One year after a similar massacre, herdsmen attack Benue communities.
Advisory: With the recent spate of attacks by suspected herdsmen in the state, threat conditions in Benue have become severe with a possibility of further attacks and counter-attacks, which could lead to loss of life and property. The current scourge of Lassa fever, seemingly a higher threat in this region, makes it necessary for travellers in and out of the region to take special precautions especially with what they eat, so they don’t fall victims to the disease.
Northwest
(High risk)
Although violent crimes had the most reports, disasters took the heaviest toll in security incidents in the state. A fire destroyed 30 rooms in a student’s hostel in Kano and in a separate incident, 70 shops were razed in a market also in Kano state. There were reports of kidnappings, civil unrest, insurgent activities, RTAs and militancy in the region.
Highlight: Ahmed Salkida raises alarm as new “Boko Haram group” reportedly kills many in Zamfara
Advisory: The recent fire outbreaks make it necessary for any forward-thinking business person or company to institute fire drills and routines to safely evacuate buildings in case of a fire outbreak. The reports of a new Boko Haram group operating in Madaba village, Zamfara State, increases the threat levels for residents and businesses in the area — as such travel in and out of the state and other states in the region should be minimal and done when necessary.
Northeast
(High-Extreme Risk) The security situation in this region remains fluid, with insurgency still the biggest threat. Although currently the army seems to have gained the upper hand, the effect of the activities of Boko Haram terrorists continue to threaten the security of life and property of residents in the state. There were also reports of violent crimes, kidnappings and disasters plaguing the region.
Highlight: Boko Haram: 59,200 Nigerians displaced in 3 months – U.N
Advisory: Threat conditions are quite severe and loss of life and property very likely for residents and businesses situated in this region.
Travel in and out of the region should be embarked on only when completely necessary, and night time travel is to be avoided at all costs.
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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.
