Niger Delta Weekly Update for March 13-19, 2022

This edition of the weekly update highlights targeted violence against government security forces in the Niger Delta with a focus on the resurgence of targeted attacks on security facilities and personnel in Imo State. According to data (see map below), targeted violence against pubic security forces caused over 60 fatalities in more than 30 reported incidents in Imo State between January 2018 and December 2021. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of targeted attacks on security facilities in the State. In January 2022, for instance, gunmen reportedly attacked a divisional police station, killed a police inspector and injured another police officer in Mgbidi town, Oru West LGA. In February, armed men reportedly attacked a police station with firearms and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), killed two police officers, and wounded another in Umundugba town, Isu LGA. In March, gunmen reportedly attacked and burned a divisional police headquarters in Okwelle town, Onuimo LGA. More recently, on March 16, 2022, two prison officers were reportedly ambushed and killed by gunmen in Umulolo community, Okigwe LGA.>