Bahia police report 20% drop in violent deaths in first half of 2026

The Bahia state police announced a 20.5% reduction in violent deaths—including homicides, armed robberies resulting in death and lethal injuries—during the January‑June 2026 period compared with the same half‑year in 2025. Around 500 anti‑organized‑crime operations and daily preventive policing were credited with saving 424 lives. The state capital saw the steepest decline at 29.7%, the metropolitan area fell 29.6%, and interior municipalities dropped 16.5%. Public Security Secretary Marcelo Werner highlighted the integrated effort of state, federal and municipal forces and noted the seizure of R$ 164 million in assets from criminal groups.

The Ministry of Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPBA) also expanded its “Município Seguro” programme, reaching 391 of Bahia’s 417 municipalities by June. The initiative supports local security planning, governance and financing, having launched 465 administrative procedures, issued 66 recommendations and secured 73 agreements (TACs) with municipal governments. Ten municipalities have adopted formal security plans, 61 have created municipal security councils and 28 have established dedicated security funds. A new partnership model with the Union of Municipalities of Bahia aims to standardise commitments and broaden participation. Seven public civil actions have been filed against non‑compliant municipalities.