12 Dec 2023 | 04:02 PM UTC
Nigeria: Protests possible nationwide, notably in Abuja and the northwest, after an airstrike killed civilians in Kaduna State Dec. 3 /update 1
Protests possible across Nigeria, notably Abuja and the northwest, through December after airstrike kills civilians in Kaduna, Dec. 3.
Protests are possible nationwide, notably in Abuja and the northwest, through at least late December after officials confirmed that an airstrike killed at least 85 people during religious celebrations in the Igabi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State on Dec. 3. While officials initially denied the incident, they later confirmed that security forces mistook the civilians for militants. Related protests denouncing the incident have been reported in the capital and the northwestern cities of Kano and Zaria, among other affected locations. Even though President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the incident, groups such as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) continue to pressure the government to prosecute military personnel involved. In recent years, protests by IMN activists have turned violent, sometimes leading to casualties.
Likely gathering locations may include government and military buildings. Increased security and localized traffic disruptions are likely near all related protests that may occur. Given the incident, the potential for clashes with security forces is elevated.
Avoid all protests that may materialize. If crowds form or clashes occur nearby, leave the area immediately. Do not drive through roadblocks. Heed the directives of the authorities.
The incident comes amid ongoing security operations carried out against armed groups in recent years as insecurity persists in the region highlighted by rampant criminal activities, including indiscriminate killings and kidnappings. Reports suggest that a growing number of civilians have been accidentally killed by security forces in the northwest due to the sustained operations and strikes.
