The South West region recorded the highest number of robbery cases in Nigeria in 2023, according to a recent report by StatiSense, an AI data company.
The report, released on August 27, 2024, highlighted robbery cases across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones from 2022 to 2023.
Of the 320 robbery cases reported in 2023, the South West had the most, with 107 incidents.
It was followed by the North Central, which reported 54 cases, and the South-South, with 53 cases. The North East had the fewest robbery cases, with 26 recorded.
2023 Robbery Cases by Region:
South West — 107
North Central — 54
South South — 53
South East — 51
North West — 29
North East — 26
In 2022, Nigeria recorded 679 cases of armed robbery across the country. The North West had the highest number of incidents, with 157, followed by the South West with 136 cases.
The North East reported the lowest, with 32 cases.
2022 Robbery Cases by Region:
North West — 157
South West — 136
South East — 128
North Central — 115
South South — 111
North East — 32
The rising number of robberies and armed robberies in Nigeria has caused significant concern among the public.
Surveys conducted by Statista Research in 2023 showed that two-thirds of Nigerians were most worried about being mugged or robbed.
Other crimes, such as burglary, theft, and violent attacks, were also causing high levels of anxiety.
The South West region, in particular, has seen increasing insecurity, with many residents living in fear.
Despite the creation of the Amotekun Regional Security Network by the governors in the region to tackle the menace, crime remains widespread.
The network’s failure to end the dangerous activities of criminal elements has left many residents feeling vulnerable.
Reports have emerged of armed robbers breaking into homes and attacking residents, often leaving victims in severe conditions when they find little or nothing to steal.
Community leaders usually inform the police of planned attacks, but security agents often do not arrive until after the crime has occurred.
The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has expressed deep concern over the rise in armed robbery in the South West.
It has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take action to combat the increasing cases of insecurity, particularly armed robbery and kidnapping, across the region.
