Anambra state is composed of 21 LGAs and its capital is Awka city. The state’s estimated population was 5 527 809 in 2016.

In 2020, Anambra state experienced several intercommunal confrontations. The background to these clashes is related to conflicts over land and its resources. The main actors in the security situation in Anambra state were police forces, including SARS, unidentified gunmen and communal militias, cults, and farmer and herder communities clashing over land. Nigerian state forces have launched an operation in order to provide security in the land areas contested by farmers and herders’ militias. Criminal activity was widespread in Anambra. Pro-Biafran activity has also been reported in the area.

In 2020, due to community clashes, killings, injuries and kidnappings were reported. Furthermore, houses, shops, rice mills and property (including domestic animals) were destroyed. As a result of these clashes, a community has fled in exile. IPOB accused SARS of kidnappings and extra-judicial killings of IPOB members. In the context of the #EndSARS protests in Anambra, violence by protesters was also reported, during which police stations were attacked, vandalized or burnt.

During 2020, ACLED reported a total of 42 security incidents (8 battles, 22 cases of violence against civilians, 12 incidents of riots) in Anambra state (average of 0.8 security incident per week). Security incidents took place in 14 out of 21 LGAs, with the largest overall number (6) being recorded in the LGA of Awka North.

The abovementioned security incidents resulted in 26 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 22 security incidents (12 battles, 8 cases of violence against civilians, 2 incidents of riots) in Anambra state (average of 1.3 security incident per week). These security incidents resulted in 41 deaths.

Information on the number of conflict-related IDPs and on the number of returnees in Anambra state could not be found.