A report by SB Morgen (SBM) Intelligence has named Port Harcourt, Lagos, Maiduguri, Jos, Calabar, Kano, Eleme Junction in Rivers State, and Onitsha as the eight most dangerous locations in Nigeria due to security threats.
The research highlights cities and highways with high rates of theft, violent attacks, and road hazards, shedding light on the country’s ongoing security challenges.
Port Harcourt was identified as the most perilous city, recording 85 incidents primarily involving violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping.
Maiduguri followed with 52 incidents, largely attributed to the insurgency, while Lagos documented 32 cases, with urban crimes concentrated in densely populated areas.
“The Makurdi-Jos route presents another worrying situation,” the report noted, citing a combination of youth gang violence and farmer-pastoralist clashes.
These conflicts often result in roadblocks and attacks on motorists, exposing systemic failures in security management.
Jos, Calabar, and Kano recorded between 18 and 23 incidents each, characterized by communal clashes and urban theft.
In Rivers State, Eleme Junction—a key transport hub—reported 16 incidents, while Onitsha, a major trading hub, recorded 15 cases involving theft and related crimes.
The Port Harcourt-Warri route has reportedly become more dangerous than the infamous Abuja-Kaduna highway, with frequent occurrences of kidnapping for ransom.
Additionally, the report flagged infrastructural deficiencies, with 84.6% of respondents stating they had experienced or heard of security incidents on their travel routes. Only 42% of respondents rated the roads as “somewhat safe,” while a mere 2.4% described them as “very safe.”
The study also pointed out challenges like potholes, poor drainage, and traffic congestion, which worsen road safety conditions. It urged the government to implement improved security measures and upgrade road infrastructure to protect travellers better.
The findings showcase the urgent need for strategic interventions to mitigate these security risks and ensure safer travel across Nigeria.
