From Powerline Vandalism to Gunrunning: The Dark Economy of Delta’s Mammy Market

Authorities demolished the 3 Battalion Mammy Market in Effurun, Delta State, on October 12, following a 24-hour eviction notice. In a letter to the national security adviser dated October 9, the Transmission Company of Nigeria accused people operating in and around the market of vandalizing its power installations. The military operation reportedly also uncovered gunrunning, hard drugs and brothels; security sources cited the alleged recovery of 40 AK-47 rifles and other ammunition, and arrests including that of the market leader.