A report by SBM Intelligence, a research and analysis firm, has identified eight cities in Nigeria as hotspots for crime, road hazards, and insecurity. The cities include Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Lagos, Jos, Calabar, Kano, Eleme Junction in Rivers State, and Onitsha in Anambra State.
Port Harcourt tops the list with 85 recorded incidents, mainly involving violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping. Maiduguri and Lagos follow with 52 and 32 incidents, respectively. Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, continues to face insurgency-related violence, while Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, battles urban crimes in densely populated areas.
The Makurdi-Jos route was highlighted as a particularly dangerous area due to youth gang violence and farmer-pastoralist conflicts, often resulting in roadblocks and attacks on motorists. Jos, Calabar, and Kano reported 18 to 23 incidents, mostly linked to communal clashes and theft.
In Eleme and Onitsha, 15 incidents each were recorded, with Onitsha’s trade routes noted for theft and related crimes.
The Port Harcourt-Warri route was also flagged as more dangerous than the Abuja-Kaduna highway, largely due to kidnapping for ransom.
SBM Intelligence emphasized infrastructural challenges, such as potholes, poor drainage, and traffic congestion, as factors exacerbating insecurity. The report called for strategic interventions to address these issues and improve safety across the country.
