Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update: March 31 - April 06, 2024

This weekly update spotlights organized criminal violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on criminal insurgency and targeted killing in Imo State. Organized criminality including targeted violence by separatist militias and criminal gangs has been a major driver of violent conflict and insecurity in the State. According to data (see map above), organized crime caused over 600 fatalities in Imo State between January 2020 and December 2023. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of criminal insurgency and targeted killings in the State. In February 2024, for instance, gunmen reportedly attacked a correctional farm settlement, killed a police officer and released seven inmates in Umualomoke community, Okigwe LGA. In March, masked gunmen on motorcycles reportedly killed four young men in Abacheke Community, Ohaji/Egbema LGA. Also, gunmen suspected to be separatist militias allegedly ambushed and killed two police officers on patrol duties along Gariki Road in Okigwe LGA. Recently, on March 29, 2024, gunmen reportedly attacked and killed a woman at her residence in Umudiaku Egbuoma community, Oguta LGA.