Delta state is composed of 25 LGAs and its capital is Asaba city. The state’s estimated population was 5 663 362 in 2016.

The main actors were herders and farmers, local communities fighting each other, rival cult gangs and criminal gangs. Cultism has been a major source of violence. General criminal activity was also widespread. The Nigerian government deployed armed forces to tackle internal security issues in the area. A coalition of former militants belonging to the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) also had reported presence in the state, however there were no reports of violent incidents with their involvement.

Compared to 2019, there was an increase in incidents of communal violence in Delta state in 2020. In this context, destruction of houses has also been reported. Furthermore, in 2020, clashes between herders and farmers over land disputes were reported. Criminal violence mainly involved robberies, kidnappings, killings for ritualistic purposes, armed clashes between gangs and cults and public security. Violent protests have also been recorded in the area. During 2020, in Delta state armed robberies and killings have been reported on some roads.

During 2020, ACLED reported a total of 100 security incidents (24 battles, 52 cases of violence against civilians, 24 incidents of riots) in Delta state (average of 1.9 security incident per week). Security incidents took place in 19 out of 25 LGAs, with the largest overall number (23) being recorded in the LGA of Ughelli North.

The abovementioned security incidents resulted in 120 deaths. Compared to the estimated population in the state, this represents approximately 2 fatalities per 100 000 inhabitants.

From 1 January to 30 April 2021, ACLED reported a total of 27 security incidents (8 battles, 13 cases of violence against civilians, 6 incidents of riots) in Delta state (average of 1.6 security incident per week). These security incidents resulted in 28 deaths.

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