Niger Delta Weekly Update for October 10-16, 2021

This edition of the weekly update spotlights violent criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on the growing threat of kidnapping for ransom in Akwa Ibom State. According to data (see map below), more than 25 kidnapping incidents and over 20 fatalities were reported in Akwa Ibom State between January 2018 and June 2021. Recent data shows an increase in incidents of kidnapping for ransom, including the targeted abduction of politically exposed individuals and businesspersons in the State. In September 2021, for instance, a prominent politician who was a former Senator was reportedly kidnapped for ransom by gunmen at a hotel in Uyo, the state capital. Separately, in September, a male medical doctor was reportedly abducted by armed kidnappers at his residence in Ekparakwa town, Oruk Anam LGA. Also, in September, a local government councilor was reportedly abducted by gunmen at a petrol station in Eket town, Eket LGA. More recently, on October 01, 2021, four fishermen, including three expatriates were reportedly attacked and abducted by kidnappers along the waterways in Ibaka community, Mbo LGA.