Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, 6 others named most dangerous areas in Nigeria

A research firm, SB Morgen, SBM, Intelligence, has identified Port Harcourt, Lagos, Maiduguri, Jos, Calabar, Kano, Eleme Junction in Rivers State and Onitsha as the eight most dangerous areas for security threats in Nigeria.

In its findings, SBM highlighted major cities and highways prone to theft, attacks, and road hazards, offering critical insights into the country’s security challenges.

The report noted that Port Harcourt is the most perilous city, with 85 reported incidents, primarily involving violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping.

According to the report, Maiduguri ranks next with 52 incidents, plagued by ongoing insurgent threats. Lagos recorded 32 incidents, with urban crime concentrated in high-density areas.

“The Makurdi-Jos route presents another troubling scenario, with a blend of youth gang violence and farmer-pastoral conflicts.

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“These incidents often lead to roadblocks and attacks on motorists, highlighting systemic lapses in government security provisions,” the report stated.

Jos, Calabar, and Kano each registered between 18 and 23 incidents, with communal clashes and urban theft dominating the security landscape.

Eleme Junction in Rivers State, a strategic transport hub, accounted for 16 incidents, while Onitsha’s bustling trade routes recorded 15 cases of theft and related crimes.

“The Port Harcourt-Warri route has now surpassed the Abuja-Kaduna highway in danger levels,” the report added, noting the prevalence of kidnapping for ransom.

The report also highlighted infrastructural deficiencies, revealing that 84.6% of respondents had experienced or heard of security incidents on their travel routes. Only 42% considered the roads somewhat safe, while just 2.4% described them as very safe.

The survey underscored challenges such as potholes, poor drainage, and traffic congestion, which exacerbate road hazards. It called for “improved security measures to safeguard travellers” and enhance road infrastructure.

Nigeria’s roads remain fraught with danger, with uneven maintenance and inconsistent police patrols leaving residents and travellers vulnerable.

The findings emphasised the urgent need for strategic interventions to address these challenges and ensure safer travel nationwide.