Nigeria: Military launches operation in Kaduna and Niger states Jan. 25

Event

On Thursday, January 25, the Nigerian military announced it had launched Operation Karamin Goro in Kaduna and Niger states, targeting criminal activities (e.g. kidnapping, armed robbery, cattle rustling). An increased security presence in the abovementioned states are to be expected during the security operation. Clashes between security forces and armed groups are likely in the coming weeks.

Context

Crime rates are high throughout Nigeria. In addition, intercommunal clashes are common, especially between nomadic and settled communities. The US 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. A recent uptick in attacks launched by suspected herdsmen on settled communities has followed the implementation of an anti-open grazing law in November 2017. These kinds of clashes have been known to break out in the central Middle Belt region - e.g. in Plateau, Bauchi, Benue, Kaduna, Niger, and Nassawara states - as well as in the south, where casualties are regularly reported.

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.