Niger Delta Weekly Update for July 24-30, 2022

This weekly update spotlights targeted attacks on government security facilities and personnel in the Niger Delta. According to data (see map below), violence against security forces caused over 200 fatalities in the Niger Delta between January 2019 and March 2022. Recent data shows a resurgence of targeted attacks on security facilities and personnel in the region. In May 2022, for example, gunmen reportedly attacked a bus conveying security personnel and killed five persons including two police officers along Idema-Otuabagi road in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State. Separately, in May, gunmen allegedly killed a senior police officer at a security checkpoint in Agwa community in Oguta LGA, Imo State. In June, gunmen reportedly ambushed and killed a police officer at Obeama community in Oyigbo LGA, Rivers State. In July, gunmen allegedly attacked a police station, killed three officers, and stole two AK-47 rifles in Okpanam community in Oshimili North LGA, Delta State. More recently, on July 25, 2022, gunmen reportedly attacked a police station and killed a policeman in Okuta Elerinla community in Akure, the Ondo state capital.