INSECURITY UPDATE, JULY REPORT
Incident 1: Suicide Bombings in Maiduguri, Borno State
Date: June 30, 2024
Location: Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Details: Female suicide bombers executed coordinated attacks at a wedding, a funeral, and a hospital in the northeastern town of Gwoza. The first bomber struck during a marriage celebration, followed by another explosion near the General Hospital, and a third attack at a funeral service.
Casualties: 18 people killed, including children and pregnant women; 30 injured with severe wounds like abdominal ruptures and skull fractures.
Perpetrators: Suspected Boko Haram militants.
Government Response: President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks, labeling them as “desperate acts of terror.”
Incident 2: Gunmen Attack in Katsina State
Date: June 2024
Location: Maidabino Village, Danmusa LGA, Katsina State, Nigeria
Details: Armed men on motorbikes attacked the rural community, killing seven people and kidnapping over 100, including women and children. The attackers blocked roads, burned shops and vehicles, and looted properties before fleeing.
Casualties: 7 people killed, including two children who were burned; over 100 kidnapped.
Perpetrators: Unidentified armed groups commonly referred to as bandits.
Government Response: State police confirmed the attack and initiated an investigation.
Incident 3: Kidnapping of Fouani Brothers in Lagos State
Date: June 14-19, 2024
Location: Inland waterways, Lagos State, Nigeria
Details: The Managing Director of Fouani Company, Mohamed Fouani, along with his three brothers—Abbas, Youssef, and Amtal—were kidnapped while traveling by boat. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of $1.5 million.
Outcome: The victims were rescued by the Lagos State Marine Police and Nigerian Navy on June 19, 2024, and safely returned to their families.
Government Response: The Lagos State Police conducted the rescue operation with support from the Nigerian Navy.
Summary
The security situation in Nigeria remains critical with significant incidents in June 2024, including deadly suicide bombings by suspected Boko Haram militants in Borno State, a large-scale abduction by armed bandits in Katsina State, and the high-profile kidnapping of business executives in Lagos State. These events underscore the persistent threats of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping affecting various regions of the country. The government’s response has included condemnation, investigation, and successful rescue operations, yet the need for enhanced security measures remains evident.