Niger Delta Weekly Update for June 19-25, 2022

This weekly update highlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on organized criminal violence and targeted killings in Imo State. According to data (see map below), organized criminal violence caused over 200 fatalities in Imo State between January 2019 and April 2022. Recent data shows the prevalence of criminal violence in the State. In April 2022, for instance, hoodlums reportedly attacked the venue of a Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) and killed an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nkwo Ihitte town, Ihitte Uboma LGA. In May, four persons were reportedly killed during clashes between government security forces and gunmen suspected to be supporters of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Amaifeke and Ihioma communities, Orlu LGA. In June, gunmen reportedly detonat-ed an improvised explosive device (IED) along Eke Ututu-Orsu road in Orsu LGA. Recently, on June 20, 2022, a commercial bus was reportedly set ablaze by gunmen who were allegedly enforcing a ‘sit-at-home’ order issued by IPOB supporters at a market in Izombe town, Oguta LGA.