Nigeria: Protest in Lagos over militant attacks November 30

Event

Civil society groups staged a protest in Lagos on Friday, November 30, denouncing recurring militant attacks in Nigeria. Similar demonstrations are possible in Lagos and other cities in the near term as Islamist militancy is expected to continue, especially in the northeastern and Niger Delta regions.

Context

The northeastern region of Nigeria (i.e. the states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa) is highly susceptible to attacks by Islamist militants, including from Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA). Though Nigerian military forces have pushed insurgents from much of their previously claimed territory, attacks have been on the rise since June 2017.

A significant number of militant groups are active in the Delta region, frequently attacking oil and gas facilities. The groups primarily demand the redistribution of wealth generated by oil assets in the Niger Delta. In 2016, attacks on oil facilities brought Nigeria's oil production to a 30-year low.

Advice

The security environment in Nigeria remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers).