This weekly update spotlights organized criminal violence in the Niger Delta with a focus on criminal insurgency and targeted killings in Imo and Abia States. Criminal insurgency, characterized by targeted violence against government security personnel and civilian residents by separatist militias and criminal gangs, is a prevailing security issue in Imo and Abia States. According to data (see map above), criminal insurgency caused over 600 fatalities in Imo and Abia States between January 2021 and June 2024. A recent escalation of criminal insurgency has caused over 20 fatalities in both States. In June 2024, for instance, suspected separatist militias allegedly killed six traders at Gariki Market in Okigwe LGA, Imo State. Also, in June, gunmen reportedly killed two policemen at a security checkpoint in Aba North LGA, Abia State. In July, gunmen allegedly attacked a police patrol team and killed four persons including three civilians and a police officer along Ngwa Road in Aba, Abia State. Recently, on July 29, 2024, separatist militias allegedly killed four police officers and a young woman at Irete Community in Owerri West LGA, Imo State.

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