Nigeria: Military operations to start in southeast Sep. 15

Event

The Nigerian army announced it would launch Operation Python Dance on Friday, September 15, in the southeastern states of Cross River, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo. Military officials said that the operation, which will last until October 15, is intended to target criminal activities (e.g. kidnapping, armed robbery) and not any individual or group of people such as militant and secessionist groups, contrary to accusations levied by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) secessionist group. Expect an increased security presence in the abovementioned states during the security operation. Clashes between security forces and armed groups are likely in the coming weeks.

Context

Nigeria's crime rate is worrisome throughout the country. The southeastern region is affected by both violent and petty crime, mostly committed by armed local residents or militants to protest their marginalization and to demand the redistribution of wealth generated by oil assets in the Niger Delta. Many groups also call for environmental protection initiatives to combat the damages caused by oil extraction activities in recent decades.

The launch of this military operation is taking place within a context of escalating conflicts between regional separatists and the central Nigerian government. A wave of relatively peaceful protests started in 2015 over the lack of infrastructure, the poor distribution of oil revenue, and low representation in government posts. The situation started to intensify following the arrest and prosecution in October 2015 of Nnamdi Kanu, director of Radio Biafra, an unlicensed radio station broadcasted from London and accused of spreading hate and violence. Since his arrest, protesters have demanded both his release and an independent Biafra, and have repeatedly clashed with security forces.  According to the NGO Amnesty International, more than 150 Igbos were killed by security forces in 2016.

Advice

Individuals in Nigeria are advised to remain vigilant at all times, to avoid sites deemed particularly likely to the scene of clashes (government buildings, places of worship, tourist sites, etc.), and if possible to avoid non-essential travel to affected regions.

On a separate note, travelers are advised to follow any orders issued by authorities and abide by all curfews in effect. 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.