Nigeria: Nightly curfew in Borno state lengthened Jan. 2-6

Event

The nightly curfew already in effect in Borno state has been temporarily lengthened by two hours from Tuesday, January 2, to Saturday, January 6. During this time, the curfew will go into effect nightly at 20:00 (instead of the usual 22:00) and expire at 06:00 (local time). Local officials have stated the change is a temporary security measure.

Context

This curfew has been in effect in Borno state since 2015 as part of ongoing counterinsurgency efforts against Boko Haram. Military operations have greatly diminished the extent of the group’s effective territorial control. However, Boko Haram still routinely carries out deadly terrorist attacks, particularly in the northeastern region of Nigeria. Boko Haram frequently attacks private homes in villages, public venues (markets, places of worship, schools, bars, areas where broadcasts of sports competitions are displayed, etc.), security forces, and governmental buildings. The group's modus operandi frequently includes suicide bombings and kidnappings (regularly followed by assassinations and targeting primarily foreign nationals).

Boko Haram pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) in March 2015 and formally adopted the name of Islamic State in West Africa.

Advice

Individuals in Borno state are advised to follow any instructions issued by authorities and abide by all curfews in effect.

Generally speaking, 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.