Last month recorded a surge in the number of reported cases of violent crime, abductions, ritual killings, cult clashes and armed robbery across Nigeria.
According to the June 2020 Country Risk Report Nigeria by PR24 Nigeria, in the South-East and South-South geopolitical regions, medium- to high-security risks in the form of violent crime was the most present threat this period, and reports of abductions were recorded across the region.
States witnessed several cases of kidnap for ransom, protests and communal clashes, and there were significant reports of road transport accidents (RTAs), flash floods, and civil unrest as well. States most affected during this period include Edo, Delta, Rivers, Imo, Anambra, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Enugu, and Abia.
The risk report recommends a proper journey management plan to mitigate the risk of abduction. As an added measure, it advises contact with local security providers to provide training and protection for staff during travel.
In these regions, violent crimes accounted for 38 percent the risks; kidnap 16 percent; disaster 10 percent; road transport accidents 10 percent; civil unrest 10 percent; armed robbery 4 percent, and militancy 4 percent.
In the South West, the most prevalent medium- to high-risk incidents for June were violent crime. Several reported cases of ritual murder headlined security risk factors. States also experienced incidents of robbery, disaster, civil unrest, and RTAs as well. States most affected during this period include Lagos, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun, Ondo and Oyo.
Violent crimes accounted for 40 percent of the security risks, followed by ritual killings at 20 percent. Armed robbery came in at 15 percent; disaster 11 percent; civil unrest 6 percent, and kidnap 2 percent.
“We recommend that businesses and households review their threat mitigation posture to improve asset integrity and personal safety. Situational awareness and management of night-time travel are strongly advised. We recommend that the security operating level should be elevated for the near future,” the report states.
The North East experienced high to extreme risks. Filtered reports indicate that the battle between the Nigerian Army and JAS, ISWAP in the region continues to trend upwards. The region recorded a high report of violent crime, insurgency, and abductions. A growing number of violent crimes by opportunistic armed groups were reported in Gombe and Adamawa states, while JAS and Boko Haram remain locked in their Borno State operations and keen to expand beyond the North East.
Violent crime accounted for 38 percent of the risks in the North East; kidnap 24 percent; insurgency 24 percent; robbery 9 percent, and disaster 5 percent.
“The threat conditions in this region are severe. We strongly advise against any non-essential travel to or within the region,” the PR24 June 2020 Country Risk Report states.
The North West represents a high risk. Agitation among residents raised security operating levels in the period under review. Confirmed accounts stated frequent reports of insurgency, banditry and violent crime, which may be attributed to the incursions of JAS and ISWAP into areas that were formerly protected by the Nigerian Army. States most affected include Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna and Katsina.
“The risk of invasion by mobile and migrating armed groups remains very high. If possible, engage the services of local security providers for detailed risk analysis, and monitor local media for updates. Our advised security operating level is high,” the risk report notes.
The North Central carries a medium to high risk. The region continues to be troubled by various episodes of banditry, civil unrest, and incidents of rape, abductions and other forms of violent crime were recorded. Intelligence reports highlighted events of banditry, insurgency, RTAs and disaster. States most affected include the FCT, Nasarawa, Kogi, Plateau, Benue and Niger.
“Situational awareness is key. Monitoring local media for information on outbreaks of violence should reduce risk exposure, and physical security measures may be heightened as an added measure. Our advised security operating level is elevated,” the report says.
