Nigeria: Clashes after soldier kills youth in Kaduna June 9

Event

Multiple media sources have reported clashes between civilians and military personnel in Kaduna on Friday, June 9, possibly including multiple deaths and injuries. One youth was allegedly killed by a soldier in front of the Command Secondary School, prompting protests in which, according to some reports, at least two other people were killed by soldiers. Although some sources have reported that the situation has returned to normal, others indicate it remains tense, with security personnel barricading roads near the school and the potential for clashes between religious and tribal groups.

Context

Intercommunal clashes are common in Nigeria, especially between nomads and sedentary communities in the center of the country (Middle Belt) - e.g. Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Kaduna, and Nassawara - and more extensively in the south, where casualties are regularly reported. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that murder rates linked to ethnic violence are higher than those related to terrorism, also a major security concern in the country.

Advice

Individuals present in the affected areas are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations, adhere to orders issued by local authorities, and to monitor the situation.

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.