Nigeria Crime Defence and Security Report – 01 JANUARY 2023

Nigeria’s security challenges are largely internal and defence expenditure will be focussed on addressing domestic security risks. Crime and security risks in Nigeria are substantial and investor confidence is dragged down by the recurrent violence in restive areas such as the northeastern, north-west and Niger Delta regions, as well as rising banditry in the north and the threat of terrorist attacks, oil pipeline attacks and vandalism, particularly in the economically important oil and gas sector. Organised criminal groups are also active across the country, and businesses are exposed to the threat of violent crimes such as robbery, kidnapping of foreign workers, as well as fraud and cybercrime. The country’s security forces, though large in size, are largely underfunded and overstretched, while endemic corruption often hinders efficient law enforcement and peace-keeping operations. The fundamental long-standing causes of Nigeria’s fragile security climate remain unresolved, while wide wealth disparities and weak macroeconomic performance render the country susceptible to further bouts of instability.