“Doctors are targeted and kidnapped”: crimes and insecurity contribute to health problems and constrain the delivery of health services in urban settings in Nigeria

Background Nigeria ranked third in Africa and eleventh globally in the 2024 Crime Index. Despite the country’s endemic crime level, its impact on the health sector has been under-researched. The paper presents qualitative data from a study conducted in selected urban Local Government Areas in Abia and Anambra states in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Method Fifty-two key stakeholders in security and health sectors, comprising health policymakers ( n = 8), public safety officers ( n = 10), local community leaders ( n = 10), frontline health managers ( n = 14), and informal healthcare providers ( n = 10), Eight focus group discussions were held with male and female service users. Results Findings indicate that acquisitive offenses such as theft, robbery, kidnapping, sexual offenses, and gang-related or cultism-driven violence were frequently reported. Residents, healthcare professionals, local authorities, and policymakers noted that these crimes posed significant threats to health workers and negatively impacted the functionality of health facilities. Incidents of staff absenteeism, equipment theft, and night shift interruptions were reported. Furthermore, elevated crime rates have led service users to consider safe times when accessing healthcare facilities carefully.