Issues In Nigeria

Terrorism

Fulani Militants

Since 2014, Fulani militants – a small portion of Fulani – have accelerated conflict at an alarming rate, attacking predominantly Christian Local Government Areas with sophisticated weapons in an environment of impunity.

Boko Haram

This is most prevalent in northeastern Nigeria and in particular among the Kanuri tribe. This is the group that has formally pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. They are now often calling themselves, not Boko Haram, but the Islamic State of West Africa.

Religious Freedom

Media often portrays Northern Nigeria as a predominantly Muslim area. Christians constitute at least 30 percent of the country’s northern population, with some pockets containing significantly higher percentages. For the past 15-20 years, these Christian communities have faced increased discrimination

Restoring Peace

Humanitarian Crisis

Northern Nigeria is experiencing a deepening humanitarian crisis. Boko Haram attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands of people who have been forced to flee their homes. These people are dispersed throughout Nigeria and in neighboring countries, where they face serious problems accessing food, water, shelter, and other basic rights.

Implications: Beyond Nigeria’s Borders

Nigeria must find its equilibrium in short order, and not simply for the sake of its own internal stability.

Nigeria’s crisis is not Nigeria’s alone. A destabilized and crisis-ridden Nigeria has negative impacts for American businesses, international security, and the stability of the entire region.The geopolitical consequences of an unstable Nigeria are dangerous and looming.

Be part of the solution.