Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update: May 26 - June 01, 2024

This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on rising criminal violence in Abia State. Criminality, including kidnapping and homicide, is one of the major causes of insecurity in the State. According to data (see map above), criminal violence caused over 250 fatalities in Abia State between January 2020 and March 2024. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of criminal violence in the state. In January 2024, for instance, the deputy vice-chancellor of a university was reportedly abducted by kidnappers at a petrol station in Amachara, Umuahia South LGA. In February, a legal practitioner was reportedly killed by kidnappers along Okigwe/Uturu Road in Isuikwuato LGA. In March, a student was allegedly killed in a clash between rival cult gangs at a University in Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA. Also, in March, an employee of the Abia State Vigilante Services (AVS) was reportedly killed by kidnappers at Onyeocha Street along Port Harcourt Road in Aba South LGA. More recently, on May 17, 2024, gunmen allegedly killed two soldiers at a military outpost near Milverton Avenue Junction in Aba South LGA