We present a snapshot of the security situation across Nigeria from February 25 – March 2, 2019 in collaboration with our security partners, PR24 Risk Management Consulting.
This week the focus is particularly on the elections slated for Saturday, March 9 as well as 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
This region recorded several incidents of sexual assaults, rape and defilement during the period
covered by this report. There were also reports of armed banditry and disasters particularly in Lagos, Osun and Ondo states.
An outbreak of the dreaded Lassa fever was reported on Thursday, February 28, 2019 in Ondo State with an estimated 102 persons testing positive to the disease. Fifteen persons have, thus far lost their lives.
There was also an incident of post-electoral violence in Ogun State with unknown gunmen shooting at a vehicle conveying election results and materials, an incident that resulted in the death of a police corporal.
Highlight: Fifty-year-old molests, impregnates teenage niece in Ekiti State.
Advisory: The region continues to record incidents of sexual assaults and defilement of minors, raising the risk factors for women and children who may be deemed vulnerable targets by sexual predators. As such, we advise caution for those who fall into this category. Vary routes and schedules to avoid becoming predictable. Pockets of post-electoral violence linger in the region and as such, travellers and residents should be cautious when moving around within the region.
South-South/East
(Medium-High Risk)
There were reports of electoral violence in this region, particularly in Rivers State, which recorded
significant incidents of assaults and murder as well as reports of kidnappings, robberies and disasters across Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo and Abia states.
Residents of Akwa-Ibom State were thrown into confusion after an attack by armed gunmen in Abak, Itu and Ikono Local Government Areas of the state during which 18 corps members serving as ad-hoc staff for the Presidential and National Assembly elections were abducted, an incident confirmed by the
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Mike Igini, who made this known during a press release to newsmen in Uyo, the state capital.
Highlight: Families of slain youths in Sapele seek justice.
Advisory: Occurrences of electoral violence, kidnappings and assaults within the region heighten the risks faced by residents of states within the region, particularly residents of Rivers and Delta states. We advise that travellers and residents listen to local media to stay in touch with breaking news and events within the region.
North Central
(Medium-High Risk)
There were several reports of violent crimes in the region with recorded incidents of beatings,
suicides, murders and shootings in the FCT, Niger, Jos and Kogi states. There were also reports of ritual killings, civil unrests, insurgency and militancy in states within the region.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in its monthly Road Traffic Crash Report, listed 682 casualties, with 3,953 victims sustaining varying degrees of injuries in the month of December, according to a press release signed by Corps Marshal, Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi on Tuesday, 26th February 2019 in Abuja.
Highlight: Thugs invade police barracks, destroy election materials in Nasarawa.
Advisory: Travellers and residents within the region are advised to be alert and security conscious, and businesses situated within states in the region are advised to increase the quality and quantity of security personnel to forestall potential losses and attacks.
Northwest
The region recorded fresh assaults by armed gunmen who have constituted a major security
threat in recent times, this time hitting Kajuru local government area of Kaduna state. An unconfirmed number of people were murdered by the gunmen who reportedly dressed in military camouflages and opened fire on unsuspecting villagers, setting fire to houses.
There were also noteworthy records of RTAs, disasters and militancy within states across the region.
Highlight: Policeman, 42 others killed in fresh Kajuru, Sokoto attacks.
Advisory: Renewed attacks by gunmen in the region raise the threat level for residents and businesses located within the region. As such, we advise that residents monitor local news reports closely to be able to anticipate and avoid attacks by gunmen. Businessmen and travellers within the region on essential trips are encouraged to employ the services of trained, well-armed security personnel.
Northeast
(High-Extreme Risk)
As at the time of this report, there were reports of violent crimes in the region.
Meanwhile, police in Taraba State have confirmed the killing of five persons by unknown gunmen in the early hours of Sunday 24th of February 2019 The report was confirmed by a press release by a spokesman for the force in the state Mr. David Misal in Jalingo on Monday.
Highlight: Five persons killed by gunmen in Taraba – Police.
Advisory: Risk conditions in this region remain severe, and loss of life and property are a possibility faced daily by residents and businesses within the region. We advise against travel or transactions within the region except when necessary.
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PR24 Risk Management Consulting
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.