271 cops, others killed in N’ Delta

At least 271 security operatives have lost their lives as a result of gun violence and criminal activities in the Niger Delta between January and April 2023, data from the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta has shown.

These deaths have affected officers in the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, amongst others.

In its weekly crisis update, published on its website on Wednesday, PIND noted that the killings were ‘targeted’ on government security personnel by criminal gangs in the Niger Delta.

Leading the states of cases is Imo state with 89 deaths; Cross River with 60 deaths; Rivers State (43), Bayelsa (35); Edo (24); Ondo (15); and Abia (5).

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According to the data, sourced from the P4P Peace Map, recent incidents indicate a resurgence of targeted killings of security personnel in the Niger Delta region.

The report stated that the current wave of targeted killings of security personnel could escalate in ways that could adversely affect the dynamics of conflict and insecurity in the region.

“Stakeholders should collaborate with the relevant security agencies to devise strategies to enhance the safety of security personnel and facilities.

“Peace and security actors should also work with the relevant national, regional, and state government agencies to develop long-term developmental, political, and institutional measures to address the security situation.

“The current wave of targeted killing of security personnel could affect the dynamics of lethal violence and insecurity in the Niger Delta. It could cause a general breakdown of law and order which could result in unrest, hooliganism, extra-judicial killings, and the deployment of repressive countermeasures by government security forces.

“The situation could also increase arms proliferation and organized criminal violence. This could cause socio-economic and political disruptions,” it added.

The report also noted that these deaths could lead to the deployment of countermeasures that could cause collateral damage and human rights violations.

A security expert, Mr Yemi Adeyemi, in an interview with our correspondent, said these targeted killings of government security personnel do not look well for the police, as, according to him, it undermines police-community relations.