Nigeria: Heightened security likely in Sokoto and Kaduna states in the coming days following May 14 unrest /update 1

Event

Officials will likely maintain a heightened security presence in Sokoto and Kaduna states in the coming days following disruptive and violent protests in Sokoto May 14. Muslim protesters gathered in the city to denounce the arrest of suspects linked to the murder of a Christian student at the Shehu Shagari College of Education May 12. The victim was killed due to an alleged act of religious blasphemy. The Sokoto state government declared a 24-hour curfew on May 14 in the impacted area in response to the violence. Authorities have also suspended basic and secondary education through May 22/23. Schools were due to resume operation May 15/16. In Kaduna, officials have also banned religious-related protest activity following calls for demonstrations in the state in response to the May 12 incident.

Authorities could increase security patrols in major cities and towns in impacted states and in other regions in the northwest in the coming days. Officials could also enact further movement restrictive measures, including curfews. Additional demonstrations in response to the May 12 killing and May 14 reaction are possible in the northwest. Likely gathering locations are city centers, religious centers, public squares, major road routes, or prominent government buildings. Religiously-motivated violence may also occur. Targets could include individuals, communities, or religious sites, such as mosques or churches. Security forces are likely to deploy to and disperse any protests that occur. Ground travel delays are likely near all protest sites. Related business and state operation disruptions may occur in response to unrest or official measures aimed at curbing protest activity.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard precaution and to mitigate likely ground travel delays. Plan for road travel delays in and near protest areas. Heed instructions from the security forces. If any violence erupts nearby, immediately depart the area and seek shelter at a non-government building. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.