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COMMON ANALYSIS
Last update: October 2021

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is composed of 6 LGAs. Abuja, which is the capital of Nigeria, is located in the Federal Capital Territory. The state’s estimated population was 3 564 126 in 2016.

Since 2019, a rise in kidnappings/abductions has been noted in Abuja. In addition, in 2020, significant clashes took place between #EndSARS movement protesters and police forces in many different cities in Nigeria, including in Abuja. The main actors present in Abuja include unidentified gunmen involved in kidnappings and in other violent acts. The Nigerian police and other vigilant groups have intervened in some cases of kidnapping. It has been also reported that Abuja constituted one of the few areas in Nigeria where no military exercise or operation was located.

Abuja is one of the areas in Nigeria where the main form of insecurity is associated with kidnapping and criminality in general. It is further noted that residents have fled the capital for fear of kidnappings. Attacks in villages by unknown gunmen and clashes between suspected herdsmen and farmers resulting in casualties have been also reported. Casualties were also recorded in clashes between Nigerian armed forces and protesters during the #EndSARS movement.

During 2020, ACLED reported a total of 47 security incidents (8 battles, 24 cases of violence against civilians, 15 incidents of riots) in the Federal Capital Territory (average of 0.9 security incidents per week). Security incidents took place in all LGAs, with the largest overall number (32) being recorded in the LGA of Abuja Municipal.

The abovementioned security incidents resulted in 17 deaths. Compared to the estimated population in the state, this represents less than 1 fatality per 100 000 inhabitants.

From 1 January to 30 April 2021, ACLED reported a total of 19 security incidents (6 battles, 10 cases of violence against civilians, 3 incidents of riots) in the Federal Capital Territory (average of 1.1 security incidents per week). These security incidents resulted in 11 deaths.

IOM-DTM data showed that 87 % of the IDPs in North-West and North Central Regions were displaced within their state of origin, 13 % were displaced from a different state. As of January 2021, 309 231 IDPs were registered in North Central Region. Information on the number of conflict-related IDPs and on the number of returnees in FCT state could not be found.

The Abuja-Kaduna highway, a major route out of Abuja to the northwest of Nigeria, is well known for bandit attacks and kidnappings.

 

Looking at the indicators, it can be concluded that in the state of the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja there is, in general, no real risk for a civilian to be personally affected within the meaning of Article 15(c) QD.
Main COI reference: Security situation 2021, 2.15