Niger Delta Weekly Conflict Update for February 14-20, 2021

By | Conflict Tracker | 0 comment | 19 February, 2021 | 0

This edition of the weekly update spotlights targeted killings of security operatives by criminals in the Niger Delta. According to data (see map below), targeted violence against security personnel caused over 50 fatalities in more than 35 reported incidents in the Niger Delta between 2018 and 2020. Recent data shows that security operatives are increasingly being targeted by criminals looking for arms. In January 2021, for instance, gunmen reportedly killed 3 policemen and stole their guns in Ekiugbo town in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State. Separately, in January, gunmen reportedly attacked a security checkpoint, killed two security operatives and escaped with their firearms in Oton community in Sapele LGA, Delta State. Also, in January, criminals reportedly killed a policeman and stole his weapons in Borokiri town in Port Harcourt LGA, Rivers State. In February, vandals reportedly killed a soldier and stole his rifle in Apoi community in Southern Ijaw LGA, Bayelsa State. Recently, on February 16, 2021, gunmen reportedly killed two policemen and stole their rifles along Ugbolu-Illah road in Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.