Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Among Nigeria’s Most Dangerous Areas – Report

Research firm SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence has identified eight locations in Nigeria as the most dangerous areas for security threats. These include Port Harcourt, Lagos, Maiduguri, Jos, Calabar, Kano, Eleme Junction in Rivers State, and Onitsha. In its report, SBM highlighted major cities and highways prone to theft, violent attacks, and road hazards, shedding light on Nigeria’s persistent security challenges. Port Harcourt topped the list with 85 recorded incidents, predominantly involving violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping. Maiduguri followed with 52 incidents, primarily attributed to insurgent activities, while Lagos reported 32 cases, mainly urban crimes in densely populated areas. The Makurdi-Jos highway was flagged as a high-risk zone, with incidents involving gang violence and farmer-herder conflicts leading to roadblocks and attacks on motorists. Jos, Calabar, and Kano each recorded between 18 and 23 incidents, with communal clashes and urban theft being the primary issues. Eleme Junction, a critical transport hub in Rivers State, saw 16 incidents, while Onitsha’s busy trade routes accounted for 15 cases of theft and related crimes. “The Port Harcourt-Warri route has now surpassed the Abuja-Kaduna highway in terms of danger, largely due to increased kidnapping for ransom,” the report noted. The study also revealed alarming infrastructural deficiencies, with 84.6% of respondents reporting personal experiences or knowledge of security incidents during travel. Only 42% of respondents considered the roads somewhat safe, while a mere 2.4% deemed them very safe. Challenges such as potholes, poor drainage, and traffic congestion were highlighted as factors compounding the security risks. The report called for enhanced security measures and better road infrastructure to safeguard travelers. The findings underscore the urgent need for strategic interventions to address these issues and improve the safety of Nigeria’s roadways.