Nigeria Social Security Situation Analysis July 2024
Researcher 007
According to monitoring reports from Hanwei International's West Africa security officers and comprehensive media coverage, 49 security incidents were recorded in Nigeria during July 2024. These incidents resulted in 158 civilian deaths, 28 military/police deaths, and at least 308 kidnappings. The main types of security incidents were armed attacks and kidnappings, with occasional protests and public safety accidents. Compared with the previous month, the number of security incidents remained at 49, deaths decreased by 49, while kidnappings increased by 101. On July 22, Kogi State in central Nigeria witnessed another armed kidnapping of Chinese citizens, reminding Chinese enterprises and personnel in Nigeria to strengthen precautions and security measures. Analysis indicates Nigeria continues to face severe security challenges, with particularly high risks in central, north-central and south-central regions.
I. Comprehensive Analysis of Security Incidents
The 49 security incidents in July included 22 armed attacks (44.9%), 22 kidnappings (44.9%), 2 public safety accidents (4%), 1 protest (4%), and 1 ethnic conflict (2%). No military clearance operations or anti-crime actions were recorded this month.
Key characteristics:
(1) High risks in central, north-central and south-central regions.Kaduna State in north-central recorded 6 incidents (8 deaths, 22 kidnappings); Benue State in central had 6 incidents (60 deaths); Kogi State reported 3 incidents including the July 22 attack on a Chinese mining site in Zango that left 5 dead and 2 Chinese kidnapped.
Figure 1: July Security Incident Distribution
Chart 1: July Major Regional Security Statistics
(2) Frequent armed attacks causing heavy casualties.Notable incidents included July 3 attack in Benue (11 deaths), July 9 Benue assault (10 deaths), July 12 Uyo media office attack (1 death), July 24 Nasarawa mosque attack (5 deaths), and July 29 Imo police ambush (5 deaths).
(3) Severe kidnapping threats targeting Chinese enterprises.Two patterns emerged: vehicle ambushes (8 incidents) targeting buses and cars; and kidnappings of officials (6 incidents) including a naval officer, APC leader, village head, and customs officer.
(4) Public safety accidents and health crises.A school collapse in Plateau killed 22 students. Floods affected 10 states, while Lassa fever (928 cases, 162 deaths) and cholera (2,809 cases, 82 deaths) outbreaks continued.
Chart 2: July Security Incident Classification
Chart 3: July Death Toll Classification
Chart 4: July vs June Security Incident Comparison
II. Risk Warning and Prevention Suggestions
Chart 5: Nigeria Security Risk Early Warning
Security recommendations:
1. Implement full-time security for movements.Conduct thorough risk assessments with armed escorts in remote areas.
2. Prepare for nationwide protests August 1-10.Chinese embassies have issued alerts about potential violence during demonstrations against economic hardship.
3. Enhance facility security measures.Install surveillance, barriers, alarms and buffer zones at compounds. Avoid high-risk areas including northeast conflict zones, government/military sites, and crowded public spaces.
