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According to the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), 271 security operatives have been killed due to gun violence and criminal activities in the Niger Delta region between January and April 2023. The victims include officers of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Criminal gangs are responsible for these killings, targeting government security personnel to enable their own activities. Instances of targeted killings have been increasing, with recent incidents indicating a resurgence in the Niger Delta region. This situation could lead to a breakdown of law and order, increased violence, and socio-economic disruptions. Stakeholders and security agencies need to collaborate to develop strategies to enhance the safety of security personnel and address the security situation.
In the Niger Delta, between January and April 2023, a total of 271 security operatives have lost their lives due to gun violence and criminal activities, according to the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND).
This information was revealed in a recent publication of the weekly crisis update by the Abuja-based non-profit organization.
PIND, which aims to promote peace and equitable economic growth in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region, also mentioned that the victims included officers of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.
The foundation’s report stated that criminal gangs in the Niger Delta region are responsible for these killings, specifically targeting government security personnel to carry out their activities without hindrance.
Unfortunately, the level of criminality in the region has not decreased, as there have been successive attacks in recent months.
On February 10, 2023, unknown gunmen ambushed the advanced security team of former Delta State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, resulting in the death of three police officers.
In April 2023, militants ambushed a police boat in the oil-producing Niger Delta region, leading to the death of 12 police officers.
Close up shot of an armed militant
Despite efforts made by successive governments to reduce criminality in the region, the situation continues to persist.
In a data report from PIND for January to April 2023, Imo state recorded 89 deaths, while Cross River recorded 60 deaths. Rivers state had 43 deaths, Bayelsa had 35, Edo had 24, Ondo had 15, and Abia had 5.
According to data sourced from the P4P Peace Map, recent incidents indicate a resurgence of targeted killings of security personnel in the Niger Delta region. This trend could escalate and have adverse effects on the conflict and insecurity dynamics in the region.
“Stakeholders should collaborate with relevant security agencies to enhance the safety of security personnel and facilities,” the report stated.
“Peace and security actors should also work with national, regional, and state government agencies to develop long-term developmental, political, and institutional measures to address the security situation.”
The report warns that if the targeted killings of security personnel continue, it could lead to a breakdown of law and order, resulting in unrest, hooliganism, extra-judicial killings, and the deployment of repressive countermeasures by government security forces.
This situation could also lead to increased arms proliferation and organized criminal violence, causing socio-economic and political disruptions.
