Port Harcourt, Lagos, Maiduguri: Nigeria’s Top 8 Most Dangerous Areas Revealed”
A new report from research firm SBM Intelligence (SBM) has highlighted the eight most perilous areas for security threats in Nigeria, revealing major cities and highways vulnerable to theft, violent attacks, and other hazards. The findings underscore the nation’s ongoing security challenges, shedding light on the hotspots where citizens face the greatest risks.
Port Harcourt emerges as the most dangerous city, with a staggering 85 reported incidents, mostly involving violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping. This grim statistic places the city at the top of the list for security concerns.
Following closely is Maiduguri, which recorded 52 incidents, primarily driven by the ongoing insurgent threats plaguing the region. Lagos, with its dense urban environment, saw 32 incidents, largely attributed to urban crime in high-density areas.
The report also pointed to the Makurdi-Jos route as a particularly dangerous stretch of road, plagued by youth gang violence and conflicts between farmers and herders. These issues often lead to roadblocks and attacks on motorists, revealing significant lapses in government security measures.
Other cities such as Jos, Calabar, and Kano each reported between 18 and 23 incidents, with communal clashes and urban theft emerging as major concerns for residents and travelers alike.
The Eleme Junction in Rivers State, a key transport hub, recorded 16 incidents, while Onitsha, known for its bustling trade routes, reported 15 cases of theft and related crimes.
Another alarming trend highlighted by the report is the increasing danger along the Port Harcourt-Warri route, which has now surpassed the infamous Abuja-Kaduna highway in terms of danger levels, with kidnapping for ransom becoming more prevalent.
In addition to the rising security threats, the report also pointed out significant infrastructural deficiencies contributing to the risks on Nigeria’s roads. A staggering 84.6% of respondents revealed they had either experienced or heard of security incidents during their travels, while only 42% described the roads as somewhat safe. A mere 2.4% considered the roads to be very safe.
The survey also cited poor road conditions—such as potholes, inadequate drainage, and heavy traffic congestion—which worsen road hazards and create opportunities for criminal activity.
The report called for urgent improvements in both security measures and road infrastructure, emphasizing the need for more effective government intervention to protect travelers and ensure safer passage across the country’s highways and urban areas.
With security forces often stretched thin and inconsistent police patrols, Nigeria’s roads remain a dangerous place for residents and travelers. The findings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for strategic and coordinated efforts to address these ongoing threats and safeguard public safety nationwide.
