Country Profile for NIGERIA

Alert for Nigeria

 

Dozens killed in Potiskum attack - 03 May 2012: 

At least 60 people have been killed in an attack on a cattle market in the north-eastern town of Potiskum.  Gunmen set fire to the market before opening fire on fleeing civilians.  The incident has been linked to a local dispute rather than Boko Haram militants.

Boko Haram warns of more media attacks - 02 May 2012:

Boko Haram have released a new video, warning media organisations in Nigeria that they and their staff are going to be targeted by the group.  The statement follows an attack on the ThisDay newspaper offices in Abuja and Kaduna last week.

Police attacked in eastern Nigeria - 30 April 2012:

At least five people have been killed after a police convoy was targeted in a bomb attack in the eastern town of Jalingo in Taraba state.  No group has yet taken responsibility for the attack. 

University attacks leave 16 dead in Kano - 29 April 2012:

At least 16 people have been killed after suspected Islamist militants attacked Bayero university in the northern city of Kano.  Local media reported that the attackers threw explosives into a crowd of Christian worshippers before opening fire on the worshippers.

Newspaper offices bombed in Abuja and Kaduna - 26 April 2012:

Explosions have been reported at the offices of the ThisDay newspaper company in Abuja and Kaduna.  The explosion at the Abuja office was caused by a bomb planted inside the building.  An unknown number of people are believed to have been wounded in the blasts.

Five killed in Plateau state attacks - 25 April 2012:

At least five people have been killed and 10 injured in two separate attacks in the central state of Plateau.  Gunmen shot dead five villagers in Rim, around 50km south of Jos, while nine people were wounded by a bomb blast in Jos City.

Easter bombings kill dozens in Kaduna - 08 April 2012:

At least 38 people have been killed in a series of bomb attacks in the northern city of Kaduna.  The most deadly blast occurred outside a church in the city, leading to comparisons with the Christmas Day bombings which also appeared to target Christians.  

Shell workers held by Delta protesters - 03 April 2012:

Workers from the Shell oil company have been prevented from accessing oil rigs in the Niger Delta region by a group of some 1,000 protesters.  Members from the Nembe Island community are reportedly holding around 14 Shell employees.

Security forces target militants in Kogi state - 02 April 2012:

Nigerian security forces have targeted a base of Islamic militants in the central state of Kogi.  Two soldiers and at least nine suspected militants were killed in the operation.

Five arrested over kidnapping of German national - 28 March 2012:

Five men, including a Mauritanian, have been arrested in Kano on suspicion of kidnapping a German engineer back in January.  It has been reported that the suspects are linked to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Church targeted by suicide bomb in Jos - 11 March 2012:

At least three people have been killed by a suicide bomb at a Catholic church in the central city of Jos.  No group have yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

European hostages die in failed rescue bid - 08 March 2012:

A British man and his Italian colleague have been killed during a failed rescue operation.  The two men were kidnapped from Birnin Kebbi city in north-west Nigeria, back in May, 2011.  British special forces supported the Nigerian-led rescue operation, however the kidnappers reportedly killed the hostages before they could be rescued.

Church attacked in central city of Jos - 26 February 2012:

At least three people have been killed in a suicide bomb attack at a church in the city of Jos.  The bombing sparked angry riots by Christian youths during which a number of Muslim shops were targeted.

Attacks across north leave nine dead - 25 February 2012:

At least four people are reported to have been killed in the north-eastern city of Gombe following a series of gun and bomb attacks.  A prison and police station were both targeted by militants, who were eventually repelled by security forces.  Elsewhere, five people were shot dead outside a mosque in the restive city of Kano.

Security forces kill Boko Haram militants in Maiduguri - 21 February 2012:

Nigerian security forces have killed at least eight Boko Haram militants in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri.  Three civilians were also wounded during the clashes.

Church bombing wounds five in Suleja - 20 February 2012:

At least five people have been wounded after a bomb exploded outside a church in the city of Suleja.  The attack happened shortly after the Sunday morning service had started.  The militant Islamic group Boko Haram are suspected of being responsible for the attack.

Gunmen storm Kogi state prison - 16 February 2012:

Gunmen have stormed a prison in central Nigeria, freeing some 200 prisoners.  The raid took place in Koton-Karifi in the central state of Kogi.

Security forces prevent bomb attack in Kaduna - 13 February 2012:

Nigerian security forces have prevented a bomb attack in the northern city of Kaduna.  The bomber attempted to ram a car packed with explosives into the gates of government house before police opened fire.

Suicide attack on Kaduna army barracks - 07 February 2012:

A suicide bomber has attacked an army barracks in the northern city of Kaduna.  A second explosion has also been reported at an air force base in the city.

Northern cities attacked by militants - 07 February 2012:

Suspected Boko Haram militants have carried out attacks in the northern cities of Kano and Maiduguri.  Gunmen armed with explosives and automatic weapons attacked a police station in Kano, while militants in Maiduguri detonated a series of bomb in a market area.

MEND militants attack Bayelsa pipeline - 06 February 2012:

Suspected MEND militants have destroyed an oil pipeline in the southern Bayelsa state.  The group released a statement which claimed the attack was "a reminder of our presence in the creeks of the Niger Delta and a sign of things ti come."

Boko Haram carry out further attacks in Kano - 30 January 2012:

Suspected Boko Haram militants have carried out further attacks in the northern city of Kano, leaving at least two people dead.  The militants stormed a police station in the city before opening fire on a bus.

Police discover car bombs in Kano - 23 January 2012:

Nigerian police have discovered at least eight cars packed with explosives in the restive northern city of Kano.  At least 160 people were killed in a series of attacks on Friday by Boko Haram militants.

Multiple deaths reported in Kano attacks - 21 January 2012:

At least 24 people have been killed in the northern city of Kano following a series of co-ordinated bomb attacks.  Around 20 explosions have been reported in the city and officials have enforced a strict curfew.  The Islamic militant group Boko Haram claim to have carried out the attacks.

US citizen kidnapped from delta region - 20 January 2012:

A US citizen has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen from Warri in the Niger Delta region.  The victim's police escort was also reportedly killed in the attack.

Widespread fuel protests hit Nigeria - 09 January 2012:

Thousands of people have taken to the street in Nigeria to protest against rising fuel costs in the country following an end to government subsidies.  Protesters clashed with riot police in the city of Lagos where at least one person has been shot dead. 

Church attacked in northern city of Gombe - 06 January 2012:

Gunmen have attacked a church in the northern city of Gombe, killing six people and wounding 10.  The militant Islamist group Boko Haram recently issued an ultimatum to Christians living in the north, warning them to leave the area or risk further violence.

Nigerian police clash with protesters in Kano - 05 January 2012:

Nigerian riot police have clashed with protesters in the northern city of Kano, injuring around 300 people.  Thousands of people have taken to the streets to demonstrate against soaring fuel prices caused by an end to subsidies. 

Clashes between rival ethnic groups leave 50 dead - 01 January 2012:

At least 50 people have been killed following clashes between rival ethnic groups in Ebonyi state.  The violence broke out between the Ezza and Ezilo groups and is reported to have been started over a land dispute.  Riot police have been deployed to the area.

Explosions reported in north-eastern city of Maiduguri - 30 December 2011:

An explosion has been reported near a mosque in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri.  The blast comes only a few days after 39 people were killed in a series of attacks on churches by the Islamic group Boko Haram.

Church bomb attacks kill 39 across Nigeria - 25 December 2011:

At least 39 people have been killed across Nigeria following a series of bomb attacks on churches across Nigeria.  The Islamist radical sect Boko Haram have said that they carried out the attack.

Boko Haram fighting leaves 50 dead - 24 December 2011:

More than 50 people have been killed in north-east Nigeria following a series of clashes between suspected Boko Haram militants and security forces.  Seven policemen and two soldiers are amongst the dead.

Police arrest suspected Boko Haram militants - 19 December 2011:

At least seven people have been killed during a series of raids by Nigerian police on suspected Boko Haram militants in the northern city of Kano.  Three police officers and four militants were reportedly killed in the incident, while 14 militants were arrested.

Gunmen attack school in northern Nigeria - 16 December 2011:

At least four people have been killed in the northern city of Kano after unknown gunmen attacked an air force high school.  No group has yet taken responsibility for the incident.

Maiduguri bombing kills 10 - 14 December 2011:

At least 10 people are reported to have been killed following a powerful bomb blast in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri.  The attack, believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram, targeted a military patrol vehicle in the city.

Curfew imposed in Jos following bomb blasts - 12 December 2011:

The Special Task Force has banned motorbikes from the city of Jos after 19:00 following a series of bomb blasts over the weekend.  Three explosions were reported in the city, leaving one person dead and 14 others injured.

Police shot in Boko Haram attacks - 27 November 2011:

Three police officers have been shot and wounded by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect in the state of Yobe.  The gunmen also attacked a bank, a shopping complex and destroyed six churches. 

Seven reported dead in renewed Plateau state violence - 22 November 2011:

At least seven people are reported to have been killed in the restive central state of Plateau.  The communal violence occurred in the Barkin Ladi district.

Boko Haram attack leaves 63 dead - 05 November 2011:

At least 63 people have been killed after Boko Haram militants carried out a series of attacks in the north-eastern town of Damaturu.  The group bombed several churches and a police headquarters in the town.

Gunmen kill 18 in north-west village attack - 02 October 2011:

At least 18 people have been killed in a brutal attack in a village in north-west Nigeria.  A group of around 150 people armed with guns and knives attacked the village of Lingyado in Zamfara state.

Boko Haram militants shoot dead four in Maiduguri - 13 September 2011:

Boko Haram militants have shot dead four people in a bar in the northern town of Maiduguri.  Yesterday the Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan, ordered the military to "take all necessary action" in the central Plateau state in response a series of deadly attacks by the group.

Bombs explode as Jos violence continues - 12 September 2011:

Two bombs have exploded in Jos as the violence which has dominated the city in recent weeks continues.  At least  two people were seriously wounded in the blasts which occurred in West of Mines open air site.  The Nigerian authorities have blamed the Boko Haram group for the attacks.

Sectarian clashes leave 40 dead in Jos - 02 September 2011:

At least 40 people have been killed in the central city of Jos following clashes between Christians and Muslims.  Fighting erupted on the Dusu Uku area of the city and religious leaders from both sides have called for an end to the violence.

Attacks in Adamawa state leave 12 dead - 26 August 2011:

At least 12 people have been killed in the northern town of Gombi after Boko Haram militants attacked two police stations and two banks, killing police officers, bank staff and customers.

Bomb blast targets UN building in Abuja - 26 August 2011:

A bomb has exploded at a UN building in the Nigerian capital Abuja, leaving at least 18 people dead and dozens more wounded.  A single suicide bomber affiliated with the Boko Haram group is reported to have carried out the attack. 

Nigerian police thwart suicide attack - 15 August 2011:

Nigerian police have shot dead a suspected Boko Haram militant who attempted to carry out a car bomb attack on the police headquarters in Maiduguri.  The volatile north-eastern city has witnessed extensive fighting between militants and security forces over recent months.

Father of Nigerian footballer kidnapped in Jos - 15 August 2011:

The father of Chelsea and Nigeria footballer John Obi Mikel has been kidnapped in Jos in the central state of Plateau.  No group have taken responsibility for the abduction and no ransom demands have been made.

Army kill 11 Islamic militants in Maiduguri - 10 July 2011:

The Nigerian army claim to have killed 11 members of the Boko Haram sect in the restive city of Maiduguri.  Militants had attacked an army patrol in the city and two soldiers were injured in the clashes.

Violence continues in Maiduguri - 06 July 2011:

Further violence has broken out in the northern Nigerian town Maiduguri with reports of explosions and heavy gunfire.  Attacks in the town by the radical Islamic sect Boko Haram have claimed at least 40 lives in the last 10 days.

Security services arrest 100 suspected Islamic militants - 05 July 2011:

Nigeria's security forces (SSS) have arrested more than 100 suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect.  The radical group have been responsible for a series of deadly attacks across the country this year, with more than 150 people killed to date.

Nine killed as Boko Haram launch further attacks in Maiduguri - 04 July 2011:

At least nine people have been killed after Boko Haram militants launched a series of further attacks in the northern city of Maiduguri.  Five people were killed when a bomb exploded inside a bar frequented by security forces while overnight gunmen shot dead four others.

Boko Haram carry out second attack in Maiduguri - 28 June 2011:

The Boko Haram sect have carried out another bomb attack in Maiduguri, killing at least five people and injuring two more.  The attack comes only a day after militants threw bombs into a crowded beer garden in the city, killing at least 25 people.

Boko Haram militants kill 25 in bomb attack - 27 June 2011:

Suspected Boko Haram militants have carried out a bomb attack in north-eastern Nigeria, killing at least 25 people and injuring dozens more.  Gunmen on motorcycles threw multiple explosive devices into a packed outdoor beer garden in the city of Maiduguri.

Twin Islamist attacks leave seven dead - 21 June 2011:

Suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect have carried out twin attacks on a police station and a bank, leaving at least seven people dead.  The attack took place in Kankara town in northern Nigeria and follows similar attacks by radical Islamists in recent weeks.

Boko Haram militants carry out further attacks - 17 June 2011:

The Nigerian authorities claim that Boko Haram militants are responsible for a further series of bomb attacks in northern Nigeria.  In one attack at least four children were killed when a bomb exploded outside a church in the town of Damboa.

Suicide bomber targets police headquarters - 16 June 2011:

A suspected suicide bomb attack on the national police headquarters in Abuja has left three people dead, including two of the assailants.  Boko Haram are believed to be behind the attack on the compound and unconfirmed police reports suggest that the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, had been the intended target.

Volunteers kidnapped in Delta region - 11 June 2011:

Five volunteer teachers have been kidnapped by unknown attackers outside of Port Harcourt in the Delta oil region of Nigeria.  No group have claimed responsibility for the kidnappings.

Boko Haram members carry out attacks in restive north-east - 10 June 2011:

Gunmen believed to be members of the Boko Haram sect have carried out a series of attacks in north-eastern Nigeria,.  At least 14 people have been killed following a series of bomb attacks on police stations and churches and a Christian preacher was shot dead by gunmen on motorcycles.

Muslim cleric killed in northern Nigeria - 07 June 2011:

A prominent Muslim cleric has been shot dead in northern Nigeria by suspected members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect.  The cleric, Ibrahim Birkuti, had been critical of the sect for killing dozens of security agents and politicians in recent months.

Marketplace bomb kills 14 in Bauchi - 29 May 2011:

At least 14 people have been killed in a series of explosions in the north-eastern Bauchi state.  Around 40 others were injured in the blasts, which occurred hours after the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Foreign engineers kidnapped from Kebbi state - 13 May 2011:

Two foreign engineers have been kidnapped by gunmen in the north-western state of Kebbi.  The British man and his Italian colleague were taken from their hotel in Birnin Kebbi city.

Further sectarian violence leaves 16 dead - 07 May 2011:

At least 16 people have been killed following renewed sectarian violence in norther Nigeria.  The town of Tafawa Balewa in Bauchi state was targeted in a reported 'revenge attack' for the killings that have taken place in recent months.

More than 200 people reported dead in post-election violence - 20 April 2011:

More than 200 people are reported to have been killed in post-election unrest in the north of Nigeria.  President Goodluck Jonathan was declared the winner of the presidential elections on Monday night, ahead of his northern rival, Muhammadu Buhari.  More than 1,000 people are also reported to have been arrested in the city of Kaduna in relation to the unrest.

Post-election rioting breaks out across Muslim north - 18 April 2011:

Rioting has erupted throughout Nigeria's Muslim north prior to the release of the country's presidential election results.  The incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, who comes from the Christian south is expected to win the election.

Bomb blasts rock voting centre - 16 April 2011:

Two bombs have exploded near  a voting centre in north-eastern Nigeria, however no casualties have been reported. The blasts occurred in the city of Maiduguri and the radical Islamic group the Boko Haram sect are believed to be responsible.

Election day bombing kills 14 Youth Corps in Suleja - 09 April 2011:

At least 14 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been killed in a bomb attack on the electoral office in Suleja.  More than 50 people are also reported to have been injured in the blast. 

Nigeria delays general election following organisational chaos - 04 April 2011:

Nigeria has delayed the country's general election by one week following a series of problems with the distribution of voting materials.  Amnesty International have claimed that at least 20 people have been killed in election-related violence in the past two weeks.  

Political supporters clash in Bayelsa - 30 March 2011:

At least seven people have been killed following clashes between supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and rival Labour Party (LP) in Bayelsa State.  The clashes came four days before Senatorial and House of Representatives elections.

Two killed in failed bomb attack - 20 March 2011:

Two men have been killed after the bomb they were carrying exploded before they reached their intended target.  The men are believed to have been targeting a Christian church in the city of Jos when the device exploded.

MEND claim responsibility for attack on Agip oil facility - 17 March 2011:

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) have claimed responsibility for an attack on an Agip oil facility in the Niger Delta on Wednesday.  A statement from MEND also warned of further attacks "which will take place in the coming days are a reminder to the Nigerian government and general public not to take our threats for granted".

MEND warning suggests renewed attacks in the Nigerian Delta - 15 March 2011:

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) have reportedly warned of renewed attacks against Nigeria's oil and gas industry.  An email to national media organisations claiming to be from a MEND spokesman warned the general public to "stay away from all political gatherings or meetings of any sort".

Renewed sectarian violence leaves 12 dead in Jos - 23 February 2011:

At least 12 people have been killed after gunmen attacked Rwang Fang village near the city of Jos in central Nigeria.  More than 200 people are believed to have been killed in the region since late 2010.

Stampede at political rally leaves 11 people dead - 13 February 2011:

At least 11 people have been killed after a stampede at a political rally for President Goodluck Jonathan in Port Harcourt.   Another 46 people were injured in the incident which occurred at a football stadium in the city.

Fresh violence as Christians as Muslims clash in Jos - 31 January 2011:

At least 35 people have been killed in sectarian violence in the central city of Jos.  Tensions between Christians and Muslims increased in December 2010 when a series of bombings on Christmas Eve left over 80 people dead.

Religious clashes leave at least eight dead in Plateau state - 25 January 2011:

At least eight people have been killed in clashes between Christians and Muslims in the central Plateau state.  There have been increasing religious tensions in the state and more the 30 people have been killed in clashes in recent weeks.

Islamic militants kill three Nigerian soldiers - 24 January 2011:

Suspected Islamic militants are reported to have killed three soldiers in northern Nigeria in a series of deadly attacks.  The attackers are believed to belong to the Boko Haram sect.

Thirteen people reported to have been killed in Jos - 11 January 2011:

At least 13 people are reported to have been killed in ongoing religious violence near Jos.  The incident occurred just weeks after a series of deadly bombings in the city.

Christmas Eve bombings leave at least 50 dead - 24 December 2010:

Five separate bombings in the central city of Jos have left at least 50 people dead and dozens more injured.

Nigerian security forces clash with Islamic sect - 06 December 2010:

Nigerian security forces have killed two suspected members of a radical Islamic sect in a gun battle in the north-east of the country.

Egyptian national killed in southern Nigeria - 02 December 2010:

An Egyptian national working for a Shell oil contractor has been killed by unknown assailants on the Aba-Port Harcourt highway.

Military free 19 hostages in operations against militants - 17 November 2010:

Nigeria's military have freed 19 hostages taken by MEND rebels in recent weeks.  Those released include two Americans, two Frenchmen, two Indonesians and one Canadian, along with the eight Nigerians kidnapped from the Exxon Mobil facility on Sunday.

Nigerian militants attack Exxon oil facility - 16 November 2010:

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) have claimed responsibility for an attack on an offshore oil facility operated by Exxon Mobil.  Eight Nigerian crew members were kidnapped in the attack.  The militant group later released a statement to the media which said "in the coming weeks, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta will launch a major operation that will simultaneously affect oil facilities across the Niger Delta".

Joint Task Force raids militant camp in Niger Delta - 15 November 2010:

The Nigerian military has embarked on a sustained campaign against MEND rebels in the south of the country.  Major General Charles Omoregie has said that his troops had recently raided a militant camp in Bayelsa state in which two men were arrested. 

Militants seize oil workers in the Niger Delta - 08 November 2010:

Nigerian militants have kidnapped five workers from an oil rig located in the Niger Delta.  Two of the workers are reported to have been injured in the raid, which is the first of its kind in recent months.

Cholera outbreak affects thousands - 15 October 2010:

An outbreak of Cholera has so far killed 1,200 and infected around 30,000.  The outbreak has also spread to to neighbouring Niger where over 1,000 have been infected.

Police station attacked in Borno state - 13 October 2010:

The radical Boko Haram Islamic sect are believed to be responsible for an attack on a police station in Borno state in which one person was injured.  The government has responded by increasing security in the state.

Nigeria Data Sheet

 

Population: 154.7 million (2009 est.)

Major Religion/s: : Islam, Christianity

International dialling code: +234

International dialling prefix: 009

Emergency services: 199

Drives: Right

Voltage: 240V

Climate: Tropical

Other Major Cities: Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Kaduna

Borders: Benin, Niger, Cameroon, Chad

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