We present a snapshot of the security situation across Nigeria from March 4 – March 9, 2019 in collaboration with our security partners, PR24 Risk Management Consulting.
The focus is on violent crimes, maritime risks, civil unrest, post-election uncertainty, robbery, kidnapping, insurgency, militancy, disasters, rising threat levels, national security, rising rape of minor cases, increased reports of kidnap for ritual, etc.
Southwest
As at the time of filing this report, the main security challenge in the region was violent crime. The week recorded incidents of manslaughter, murder, shootings, beheadings and incest among others, particularly in Lagos State, and in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti states. There were reports of ritual killings, kidnappings and armed banditry, as well as significant road transport accidents (RTAs) with casualties in states across the region.
On Monday March 4, 2019, a 46-seater-passenger bus involved in a road traffic accident, was gutted by fire at the Otedola Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, resulting in a build-up of traffic. No lives were lost in the incident. On Thursday, March 8, 2019, officers of the Nigeria Police Force arrested 19 commercial motorcyclists who were attempting to set the Ejigbo police station ablaze.
Highlight: Police parade 18 suspects over alleged armed robbery, possession of human skull in Ibadan
Advisory: The region recorded incidents of aggravated assault, violence, kidnappings and robberies raising the risk factor for travellers and residents within the state. To mitigate against this, we advise caution at all times. Night-time travel may be reduced to avoid risk, and transactions at ATMs or other cash outlets should be kept quick, and conducted with a high level of alertness to avoid falling prey to opportunistic crimes in the region.
South-South/East
(Medium-High Risk)
This region recorded attacks by armed gunmen, and clashes between rival cult groups within Enugu and Cross-River states. There were also recorded incidents of kidnappings, robberies, disasters, civil unrest, militancy, and a noteworthy occurrence of maritime crimes in Abia, Enugu, Edo, Delta and Rivers states.
The people of Abonnema Town, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State on Tuesday marched in protest against the alleged killings of villagers by soldiers who clashed with youths from the town on the day of the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Highlight: Abductors free APC assembly candidate in Edo State, 38 days after his abduction
Advisory: With the rising incidents of cult clashes, post-electoral violence and abduction within states in the region, we advise that residents in particular and travellers also pay attention to local media to avoid locations that could turn volatile. Businesses and residents of Delta State face a higher exposure to risk in the region and as such we advise the employment of the services of trained security personnel to ensure safety of lives and property.
North Central
(Medium-High Risk)
Herdsmen launched a fresh attack on residents of Benue State during the week, and there were reports of rape and homicide in the FCT as well as in Plateau and Benue states. The region also recorded incidents of RTAs, banditry and disaster as at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, a communal clash between the people of Egburra Mozum and Base Kwomu in Kogi State claimed about 20 lives in Bassa Local Government Council, Kogi State in an attack during the early hours of Thursday.
Highlight: Herdsmen kill 16 in fresh attack on Benue community.
Advisory: Businesses located in Kogi State are advised to increase the quality and quantity of security personnel to forestall potential losses and attacks during territorial disputes between the warring communities.
Northwest
Violent crimes continue to be the major threat in this region, with a renewed attack by armed gunmen that resulted in the murder of 40 persons in two communities in Shinkafi and Anka local government areas (LGAs) barely two days after a previous attack involving 29 casualties in Shinkafi, Zamfara State.
There were also noteworthy records of abductions, armed banditry, and militancy within states across the region. A clash between supporters of APC and PDP within Kaduna State resulted in one death and several injuries on Thursday.
Highlight: Violence Persists in Zamfara, bandits kill 40 in fresh attacks.
Advisory: Constant attacks by gunmen in the region raise the threat level for residents and businesses located within the region. As such, we advise that residents listen closely to local news reports and plan trips with caution.
Northeast
(High-Extreme Risk)
States within this region have been ravaged by the protracted battle between men of the Nigeria Army and terrorists from the radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram. The efforts of troops of the Nigeria Army seem to have borne fruit, as Monday recorded the sack of notorious terrorist Abu Mus’ab Al-barnawi as the leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a faction of the Boko Haram insurgent group, who are suspected to have dealings with ISIS. There were also reports of violent crimes, civil unrest and insurgency in states across the region.
Highlight: One killed as youths clash in Yola, Adamawa State.
Advisory: Travel between states in this region is risky, with the greater exposure to danger occurring in Adamawa, Borno and Taraba states. Residents and travellers alike are thus advised to minimise the amount of time they spend on the road, and monitor local news reports to stay ahead of insecurity happenings in the region.
“
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.