This week we present you a snapshot of the security situation across Nigeria from December 3 to 8, 2018 in collaboration with our security partners, PR24 Risk Management Consulting.
We focus on Violent Crimes, Civil Unrests, Robbery, Kidnapping, Insurgency, Militancy, Disasters, etc.
(Medium-High Risk)
Kidnap for ransom and ritual killings appear to be on the increase across the six states that make up this region, with five significant kidnap cases recorded, amongst other rising cases of violence against minors and road traffic accidents. The most prominent case of kidnap for ransom in the region was the abduction of six lecturers in Esa Oke, Osun State.
Highlight
Five lecturers of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke were on December 5 abducted by kidnappers, with one of them killed by their abductors on the spot.
Advisory
Increased self-awareness, personal alertness, and environmental consciousness are of the essence. All forms of travel – both business and leisure should be well planned and managed as travellers may encounter traffic challenges due to political rallies and gatherings, which may lead to route congestion and expose commuters to opportunistic crimes, especially in capital cities.
An increase in the risk of kidnap for ransom or ritual is further heightened by both the political and festive seasons. Best keep a low profile when travelling, vary travel routes and avoid the predictablitiy that comes from maintaining a ‘static’ travel routine.
South-South/East
(Medium-High Risk)
The region continues to witness a surge in violent communal clashes, just as kidnapping, armed robbery, and other forms of organised crime persist. In addition, deadly cult clashes are also prominent. For instance, no fewer than five persons lost their lives following a cult clash between two rival cult groups (Vikings and Eiye) in Ughelli Community, Delta State. Also, there appears to be a sustained attack on police formations in Asaba, a source of heightened concerns
Highlight
The long-standing communal clash between four communities in Biase Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State escalated on December 3 with several casualties recorded and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
Advisory
Road travels across states in the region can be treacherous as there has been several reported cases of road kidnaps. Therefore, all road trips should be embarked upon with some caution and a region-specific security programme. Self-consciousness, environmental awareness, and access to accurate security information are of utmost importance. Ensure business travels are well planned, secured and properly managed. Further, information on local conditions before travelling to the region could prove useful.
(Medium-High Risk)
In the region, domestic crimes, disaster and civil unrest led loss incidences. A bloody communal land conflict between Okwiji clan and Ugbobi community in Apa LGA of Benue State led to the death of seven persons, while many houses were razed by irate community members.
Highlight
No fewer than 19 persons were reportedly drowned following a boat mishap in Lafiagi, Edu LGA of Kwara State. The boat was conveying the victims across River Niger to Niger State.
Advisory
There is a high propensity for civil unrest in the region. Residents and travellers are therefore encouraged to maintain alertness. Althouh threat conditions emanating from herders/farmers clashes appears to have subsided, security conditions in the region are still very much fluid and can change abruptly, it is therefore important to keep up to date with breaking information and monitor developments.
Further, there may be slight probabilities of protests in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as the electioneering process and political campaigns gather momentum. Caution is therefore important.
Northwest
(Medium-High Risk)
Voilent crimes, kidnapping and civil unrest undermined safety in parts of the northwest. One of such incidence was witnessed in Jigawa State, where Five persons were severely injured, when political thugs engaged in a free for all. Also, in Zamfara State, the police recovered 16 bodies of the policemen killed during an exchange of fire with armed bandits terrorising the State.
Highlight
The Zamfara State Police Command on December 5 revealed how it lost 16 men and rescued 20 after a heavy clash with armed bandits in Birnin Magaji LGA.
Advisory
Residents and travellers are advised to be conscious as there were reported cases of violence and unrest. In addition, road travel is still threatened by incidences of kidnapping, RTAs and other conditions suggesting a worsening case of transnational crimes. Commuters are urged to be vigilant and monitor local media. Travellers are also advised to take caution and avoid night trips as much as possible.
Northeast
(High-Extreme Risk)
ISWAP intensified its attacks on Nigeria Army formations as it raided an Amoured Tank base in Gudjuba, 37 miles to the state capital of Yobe. It also launched an attack on troops in Gudumbali town, Borno. The ease with which ISWAP launches attacks from its Lake Chad base, deep into Yobe continues to be a source of worry for intelligence analysts. Palpable tension was reported in Taraba following some attacks and counter attacks on some communities in the state.
Highlight
Eight soldiers were killed after BH terrorists attacked an army base in Yobe State, with the military also killing over 10 of the attackers. The attack was carried out by the faction of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)
Advisory
Non-essential business travels to the region is to be avoided at all cost, especially communities that border Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republic. Threat conditions are severe and loss of life likely
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For further details contact PR 24:
www.pr24security.com
Skype: support_Pr24
Twitter: @PR24Nigeria
Email Address: info@pr24nigeria.com, support@pr24nigeria.com
Phone:+234 8094449044, +2348028774774