This week we present you a snapshot of the security situation across Nigeria from December 10 – 15, 2018 in collaboration with our security partners, PR24 Risk Management Consulting.
We focus on violent crimes, civil unrests, robbery, kidnapping, insurgency, militancy, disasters, etc.
Southwest
Highlight: Four traders were on December 10 crushed to death on the Ibadan-Oyo Expressway when a truck rammed a taxi conveying them at a failed portion of the road.
Advisory: Increased festive period travel will lead to route congestion and traffic accidents on major highways across Nigeria. Self-awareness, personal alertness and defensive action are advised. Political rallies and gatherings may worsen route congestion and expose commuters to opportunistic crimes, especially in states that are prone to violence. You are advised to keep a low profile when travelling Vary your travel routes and avoid the predictability that comes from maintaining a static travel routine and consider travelling after the festive period where possible, or travel by air.
South-South/East
(Medium-High Risk)
Robberies, kidnappings, and ritual killings headlined loss incidences in the region. Following the increasing spate of ritual killings, the police have embarked on a clampdown on native doctors in Delta State. Likewise, The Joint Task Force has reiterated its commitment to curbing oil theft, illegal refining, bunkering, communal clashes, kidnappings, piracy, cultism as well as eliminating militancy in the region. In addition, renewed border hostility between Ebonyi and Cross River states, which erupted penultimate Sunday led to the death of eight persons.
Highlight: Two men were arrested for allegedly killing a woman in Abia State and trying to use her for money ritual. One of the suspects confessed that they lured the deceased from Facebook before killing her.
Advisory: Self-consciousness, environmental awareness, and access to accurate security information are of utmost importance. Ensure business travel is well planned, secured and properly managed. Further, information on local conditions before travelling to the region could prove useful. Likewise, owing to the spate of kidnappings, road travels across states in this region may be treacherous. All road trips should therefore be embarked upon with some caution and a region-specific security programme.
North Central
kidnappings, robberies and violent crimes made headlines during the week. In Niger State, troops of the Nigerian Army intercepted a car loaded with 44 single-barreled rifles and 351 cartridges during a stop and search operation. In Benue State, some farmers and residents of some communities have raised an alarm over the influx of Fulani herdsmen and their herds in the area.
Highlight: Suspected gunmen on December 10 reportedly kidnapped the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate for Obi II state constituency in the 2019 Nasarawa State House of Assembly election, Mr. David Ayele.
Advisory: Residents and travellers are encouraged to maintain alertness as there is a high propensity for civil unrest in the region, most especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Further, increased self-awareness and personal alertness are of the essence in parts of the region. Although threat conditions emanating from herder/farmer clashes appear 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.
Northwest
(Medium-High Risk)
Violent bandit attacks, RTAs and disaster led loss events in the northwest. While armed bandits struck in Zamfara State, an early morning fire razed an entire building in Kano metropolis. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Nomadic Education (NCNE) organised a workshop in Kaduna State to find solutions to the lingering crisis between farmers and pastoralists in the country. On a positive note, Nigeria and Niger Republic have signed a pact to fish out border bandits.
Highlight: Gunmen struck in Zamfara State on December 12, killing nine persons, including a renowned Islamic Scholar, Malam Ibrahim Kuryan Madaro at Dogon Maje village of Tsafe Local Government Area.
Advisory: Residents are advised to maintain alertness, be environmentally conscious, and aware. Further, road travel is still threatened by incidences of armed banditry, RTAs and other conditions suggesting a worsening case of transnational crimes. Commuters are urged to be particularly vigilant and monitor local media. Travellers are also advised to take caution and avoid night trips as much as possible.
Northeast
Members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction of Boko Haram again attacked Gudumbali town as Nigerian soldiers engaged in a fierce battle with the sect. The town of Gudumbali in Gazama district of Borno State has been attacked several times in recent months. Meanwhile, soldiers killed in the Metele attack were reportedly buried in a private ceremony on December 14.
Highlight: Fighters from the ISWAP faction of the Boko Haram attacked a military base in Gudumbali on December 15. The attack was however repelled with no casualty reported.
Advisory: We strongly advise against non-essential business travels to the region, especially communities that border Chad, Cameroon, and Niger Republic. Threat conditions are severe and loss of life likely.
-For further details contact PR 24:
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.