Nigeria: Military operations escalate in southeast September 19 /update 1

Event

Security operations in the southeastern states of Nigeria escalated when military aircraft were deployed to support ground troops engaged in ongoing military operations on Tuesday, September 19. Operation Python Dance II began on Friday, September 15, and is reportedly targeting criminal activities (e.g. kidnapping, armed robbery) in the states of Cross River, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo. However, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) secessionist group claims that government forces are specifically targeting the group. It has also been reported that the Nigeria military designated the IPOB a terrorist organization on Friday. Members of the Nigerian national assembly and regional governments claim that the military's declaration was unconstitutional and did not follow due process. Meanwhile, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has reportedly gone into hiding after the federal government filed a suit seeking to revoke his bail and arrest him.

Given rising tensions in the southeastern region, clashes between security forces and armed groups are likely in the coming weeks. 

Context

Increased security measures (including curfews in Abia and Plateau states) have been put in place in southern Nigeria in a bid to stem the rising tensions in southeastern states (including Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states), following the heavy deployment of soldiers and artillery for Operation Python Dance II as well as recent clashes between IPOB members and both soldiers and members of northern communities. The recent violence is the latest in a series of escalating conflicts between Biafra separatists and the central Nigerian government in the southeastern region, which has also exacerbated existing frictions between various communities in the area. The increased deployment of soldiers to the southeast region and Operation Python Dance II have been widely condemned by political and socio-cultural groups, including the southeast Senators and Ohanaeze Ndigbo (the umbrella group that represents all Igbo communities), who have warned that the military operation is a deliberate and proactive escalation in the crisis. Following speculations that IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has gone into hiding, the tensions are likely to persist, while Operation Python Dance II may cause further clashes with pro-Biafra supporters. Kanu is expected to be in court on October 17 as the court rules on the Federal Government's request that Kanu be re-arrested for disobeying his bail conditions. ​

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria are advised to remain vigilant at all times, to avoid sites deemed particularly likely to witness clashes (government buildings, places of worship, tourist sites, etc.), and if possible to avoid non-essential travel to affected regions.

On a separate note, travelers are advised to follow any orders issued by authorities and abide by all curfews in effect. The security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, and Jigawa as well as parts of Kano and Adamawa states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.