The Niger Delta was relatively peaceful during the third quarter of 2023. There was a decrease in lethal violence during the period compared to the first and second quarters of the year (see page 2). Data shows significant improvement in the overall peace and security situation in the region. Stakeholders including civil society organizations (CSOs),…
This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on kidnap for ransom in Cross River State. According to data (see map above), over 65 incidents of kidnapping and more than 20 related fatalities were reported in Cross River State between January 2020 and September 2023. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence…
This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on gang violence in Rivers State. Clashes between rival cult gangs has been a major driver of conflict and insecurity in Rivers State. According to data (see map above), cult and gang violence caused over 200 fatalities in the State between January…
This special edition of the weekly update spotlights the strategic application of Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) systems in monitoring and mitigating electoral violence in the Niger Delta, with a focus on the November 11, 2023 off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa and Imo States. Historically, elections in the Niger Delta are high stake affairs,…
This weekly update spotlights political violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on the risk of violence in the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election in Bayelsa State. Elections in the State are high stake affairs, often characterized by violence. According to data (see map above), over 80 incidents of election violence and more than 35…
This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on criminal violence and killings in Ondo State. Organized criminal violence including robbery, kidnap for ransom and killing for ritual purposes is a major driver of conflict and insecurity in Ondo State. According to data (see map above), criminal violence caused over…
This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on rising criminal violence and targeted killings in Delta State. According to data (see map above), criminal violence and targeted killing caused over 250 fatalities in Delta State between January 2021 and August 2023. In August 2023, for instance, gunmen reportedly attacked…
This weekly update spotlights lethal violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on domestic violence and homicide in Akwa Ibom State. Domestic violence and homicide are major conflict risks and security issues in the State. According to data (see map above), domestic violence and homicide caused more than 40 fatalities in Akwa Ibom State…
This special edition of the weekly update spotlights natural resources conflict and human-induced environmental disasters in the Niger Delta with a focus on illegal artisanal oil refining related violence and disasters in Rivers State. According to data (see map above), illegal artisanal oil refining related violence and disasters caused over 150 fatalities in the Rivers…
This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on criminal violence in Delta State. Organized criminal violence including kidnap for ransom as well as clashes between criminal gangs and government security forces is a prevalent security issue in Delta State. According to data (see map above), criminal violence caused over…