Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update: June 09-15, 2024

This weekly update spotlights targeted killing of government security personnel by criminals in the Niger Delta. Targeted attack on government security personnel is a major cause of insecurity in the region. According to data (see map above), violence against security forces caused over 500 fatalities in the Niger Delta between January 2020 and March 2024. Recent data shows a rise in targeted killing of security personnel. In March 2024, for instance, armed youths reportedly killed over 15 soldiers who were responding to a distress call during a clash over a land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Ughelli South and Bomadi LGAs respectively, in Delta State. In May, five soldiers were allegedly killed by gunmen who were enforcing a sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) at Obikabia Junction in Aba North LGA, Abia State. In June, gunmen reportedly shot and injured three soldiers in Okomu community, Ovia South West LGA, Edo State. More recently, on June 11, 2024, gunmen allegedly killed two policemen at a security checkpoint in Akabo community, Ikeduru LGA, Imo State.