This edition of the weekly update spotlights targeted killing of government security personnel by criminal gangs in the Niger Delta. According to data (see map above), targeted violence against security personnel caused over 150 fatalities in the Niger Delta between January 2021 and April 2023. Recent incidents indicate a resurgence of targeted killings of security personnel in the region. In March 2023, for instance, three personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were reportedly killed by gunmen in Obiangwu community, Ngor Okpala LGA, Imo state. In April, gunmen reportedly killed three police officers at a security checkpoint along the Igarra-Auchi Road in Agor community in Akoko Edo LGA, Edo State. In May, gunmen reportedly killed a policeman at a security checkpoint along the East-West Road in Emohua LGA, Rivers State. Separately, in May, gunmen allegedly killed two policemen in Ekredjebor community in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State. Recently, on July 12, 2023, gunmen reportedly killed a police inspector and stole his rifle along the East-West Road in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State.