This weekly update spotlights organized criminality in the Niger Delta with a focus on criminal violence and targeted killings in Imo State. Criminal violence including targeted killings by criminal gangs and separatist militias has been a major driver of insecurity in the State. According to data (see map above), criminal violence caused over 650 fatalities in Imo State between January 2020 and May 2024. Recent incidents indicate escalation of criminal violence and targeted killing of government security personnel, local vigilantes, and unarmed residents in the State. In June 2024, for instance, gunmen suspected to be separatist militias reportedly attacked and killed two police officers and a civilian at a security checkpoint at Akabor community in Ikeduru local government area (LGA). Separately, In June, gunmen allegedly attacked and killed six persons at Ama Hausa in Garki, Okigwe LGA. More recently, on July 07, 2024, gunmen reportedly ambushed and killed three local vigilantes and a passerby at Afor Umuaka community in Njaba LGA. The vigilantes were attacked while they were on a routine security patrol in the community.

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