The Federal Government has revealed that the North West recorded the highest crime rate in Nigeria, while the South East had the lowest.
The data, compiled by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in the Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS), was shared in a statement by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communications. He noted that the use of data to report crime aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s goal of a data-driven, inclusive socio-economic agenda.
According to the Presidency, the North West saw the highest crime rate with 14 million incidents, followed by the North Central with 8.8 million. The South East had the least, with 6.1 million incidents. The South West recorded 6.9 million, the South South 7.7 million, and the North East 7.9 million.
Bwala emphasized that the NBS report highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
“Unlike in 2023, when crime rates were at their peak, the 2024 report reflects the success of coordinated efforts among the country’s security agencies, including the military, paramilitary, and private sector collaborations, under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration. As the Latin phrase goes, res ipsa loquitur—the facts speak for themselves.”
The Presidency pointed out a significant decline in kidnapping, banditry, and cattle rustling, especially in the North West. The activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its offshoot, the Eastern Security Network (also known as ‘Unknown Gunmen’), have also decreased. The recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based IPOB agitator, was highlighted as a crucial step in curbing violence in the South East.
Additionally, the report noted fewer school attacks in Northern Nigeria, a significant improvement compared to previous years, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to fighting crime.
