This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on the resurgence of criminal insurgency and gun violence in Imo State. Criminal insurgency – insurgency perverted by criminal violence – has become a major driver of insecurity in Imo State over the years. According to data (see map above), criminal insurgency, government counter-insurgency operations and other gun related violence caused over 500 fatalities in Imo State between January 2021 and March 2023. Recent data shows a rise in criminal insurgency and gun violence in the State. In February 2023, for instance, gunmen allegedly killed a customary court judge during a court session in Ejemekwuru community, Oguta LGA. In March, gunmen reportedly killed 3 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Obiangwu Community, Ngor Okpala LGA. In April, gunmen reportedly killed 5 policemen and 2 civilians at Okpala Junction in Ngor Okpala LGA. More recently, on April 26, 2023, gunmen allegedly killed a community leader while he was addressing his kinsmen at a town hall in Logara community, Ngor Okpala LGA.
DOWNLOAD
[embeddoc url="https://pindfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Niger-Delta-Weekly-Update-April-23-29-2023-1.pdf%22]
