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 250 fatalities in Delta State between January 2021 and August 2023. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of criminal violence in the State. In July 2023, for instance, gunmen allegedly killed two policemen and burned a patrol van at a security checkpoint along Ughelli-Asaba Expressway in Oleh town, Isoko South LGA. In August, gunmen reportedly attacked a Divisional Police Headquarters, killed a police officer and injured another in Isiokolo community, Ethiope East LGA. In September, a local vigilante was reportedly killed during a gun battle with hoodlums at 1st Marine Gate in Warri South LGA. Recently, on September 13, 2023, armed kidnappers allegedly abducted a female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Eku community, Ethiope East LGA.
