Most Dangerous Cities in Nigeria (2022)

These are the 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Nigeria.

These areas are known for turmoil, domestic violence, high crime rates, poverty, and a filthy atmosphere, making them some of Africa’s most dangerous places to live.

These dangerous cities in Nigeria are a no-go zone for tourists because there are frequent reports of kidnappings, herdsmen killings, ritual killings, suicide bombings, ethnic clashes, carjackings, banditry, and terrorism, all of which result in the deaths of innocent Nigerians, security officials, foreigners, and aid workers.

In most sections of the country, Nigeria has had to deal with insecurity issues that have resulted in the loss of lives, property, and investment.

Not to mislead anyone, I will like to make this clear that Nigeria is one of the most peaceful countries in West Africa. This article only highlights areas little danger or critical state of living to avoid.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Places To Live In Nigeria

Here are some of the most dangerous cities in Nigeria;

#1. Maiduguri City, Chibok

Borno state, Maiduguri City, Chibok to be precise is the most dangerous city to live in Nigeria.

This city gained international notice in 2013 after they kidnapped 219 kids from Chibok secondary school in Borno. As a result of this crime, the #bringbackourgirls campaign was launched on all social media platforms and humanitarian websites in order to secure the girls’ safety.

These girls have been held captive since 2013, and they have yet to be set free. Living in Borno state is akin to committing suicide. Because of the high rate of insecurity and security danger in Borno State, reporters and assistance aid have been unable to enter that region efficiently.

Borno State has the highest death toll in Nigeria’s Boko Haram attacks. Even though the Nigerian defence headquarters were relocated to Borno State in 2015 as part of a strategy to battle Boko Haram, it has produced no effects.

#2. Zamfara City

The state of Zamfara is regarded for being the epicentre of Nigeria’s banditry. Fulani pastoralists are referred to as “bandits” in a euphemistic manner which is usually in this state. Many innocent civilians have been killed or fatally wounded as a result of the bandits’ savagery in Zamfara state. Sexual violence is also on the rise, with girls and women being kidnapped, sexually abused, and raped.

The state of Zamfara is currently in the news due to a high rate of kidnappings. More than 300 girls are believed to have been kidnapped from a school in Zamfara state recently. As a result of the nexus between these bandits and terrorists, there has been an increase in the recruitment of children for criminal operations in the state.

#3. Onitsha City, Anambra State

Onitsha is one of the worst locations to live in Nigeria, despite being a relatively productive state. Onitsha is well-known for its environmental crimes. Despite having seen its fair share of ups and downs, this city is nevertheless on the verge of a big crisis.

Onitsha was subjected to a series of attacks by various military organizations, vigilantes, and kidnappers less than 20 years ago. Back in the day, Onitsha was so horrible that the authorities determined that the only way to fight evil was to fight evil.

They introduced the Bakassi Boys, who hunted down, maimed, and killed anyone they deemed a threat to society with weapons, juju, machetes, and dark magic. These individuals were merely Boko Haram licensees.

The Bakassi Boys were given permission to kill any perceived dangers in the state by shooting or beheading them. To keep the city sane, a variety of people were executed, including phony pastors, armed robbers, kidnappers, crooked landlords, murderers, and ritual killers.

The Bakassi boys have disbanded today, yet they are not fully gone. Some ex-Bakassi lads still hang out at the Onitsha head bridge, stealing, kidnapping, and scamming people, particularly those who are unaware of their presence.

#4. Kano City, Kano State

Kano was once one of Nigeria’s most tranquil states, but due to endemic poverty, unemployment, inadequate education, and inequality, armed banditry, abduction, herdsmen-farmer conflict, and intercommunal violence have all increased dramatically.

If you’re considering relocating to Nigeria. In this state, the security danger designation is approaching critical. In Kano state, around 32 Boko Haram terrorists assaulted and attacked villages and towns in 2012, killing more than 150 residents.

It’s also difficult to be a devout Christian, Moslem, or missionary here. Attacks by Boko Haram on churches, mosques, and markets have reached an all-time high. Furthermore, these attacks have hampered the state’s socio-economic efforts.

#5. Sokoto City

Sokoto, previously known as “Northern Nigeria’s fastest expanding economy,” has been destroyed by insecurity and criminality. Banditry and kidnapping have occurred throughout the state.

This has hampered the state’s growth and development. In the state, the number of refugees and internally displaced persons has increased, adding to Nigeria’s already high poverty rate.

#6. Port Harcourt City, Rivers State

The oil-rich state of Rivers is the most dangerous in southern Nigeria. Cult-related criminality has increased dramatically since 2014. There is a political, militant, and even community undertone to this cult violence. Hundreds of individuals have been killed as a result of cult violence in regions like Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Degema.

When they’re not on campus, though, you’ll notice a lot of 16- to 33-year-olds arrested for armed robbery, murder, kidnapping, computer fraud, and domestic abuse.

They are not discouraged from continuing their bad conduct even when they are detected, expelled, rusticated, or arrested. It just allows them to return to full-time employment.

Because of the high level of insecurity and negative impact on society, Port Harcourt is by far the worst place in Nigeria to have a family.

#7. Damaturu City

Another unsafe city to avoid visiting is Damaturu. Yobe state has been severely impacted by the insurgency. The state shares a border with Borno in the country’s northeastern region. Damaturu is Yobe’s capital city, and it has seen a lot of violent activity by extremist organizations.

In Yobe State, the Boko Haram sect has carried out numerous bombings in communities and markets. Yobe state is the third most dangerous area to visit in Nigeria, with over 10,000 people killed as a result of insurgency.

#8. Aba City

Aba is a dangerous city in the south-eastern area of Nigeria, as well as a commercial center in Abia State. The town is considered the state’s most remote urban region.

Aba has had a number of crime problems. Robbery, cult activities, political upheaval, vandalism, corruption, and other crimes are among the most common. In order to combat criminal activity in Aba, the authorities established vigilantes to deal with the problem.

#9. Yola City

Yola is the capital of Adamawa State, which is located in Nigeria’s north-eastern region. Apart from insurgency, there haven’t been many criminal cases in the region.

The city has become one of the most hazardous in the country due to the threat posed by the Boko haram sect in the state. Villages, markets, and churches have been destroyed as a result of the extremist group’s activity in Adamawa state.

Because of the frequent attacks on churches, mosques, and markets, the majority of state residents have abandoned their homes, businesses, and farms. Attacks on this location are expected to kill around 1,500 people and destroy property worth millions of Naira.

Academic and social activities in this state were already among the lowest in Nigeria before the Boko Haram attacks. Every year, fewer than 2,000 students from Adamawa state register for WAEC and SSCE.

#10. Ibadan City

Ibadan is a commercial city in Nigeria’s south-western region. The city is the region’s second most populous urban area. With such a vast population, the Oyo capital city has seen some minor criminal activity. Corruption and bribery are the most serious criminal issues.

Being mugged or robbed, auto theft, fears of being attacked, crimes related with using or distributing drugs, and property crimes such as vandalism and theft are all concerning issues in Ibadan.

Conclusion

With all of the above-mentioned dangerous Nigerian states, you may be wondering which Nigerian state is the safest. The truth is that no state is completely safe. While there are a few safe states with little crime activity and good development ratings, they are few and far between.

Enugu, Lagos, Abuja, Oyo, and Ekiti are just a few of the country’s calm states with low crime rates. To eliminate criminal activity in the country, the only option is pure confederation, which includes giving jobs, stabilizing the economy, and arming security services with both firearms and decent welfare.

This would ensure that Nigeria’s dangerous states are brought back to peace.