Briefing Paper

Escalating Violence in Northern Nigeria

Nigeria has long faced varied security challenges that continue to threaten its peace and security. These challenges have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulted in deepening existing structural inequalities. The nation continues to be a potent ground for the perpetration of various acts of violence. From ethnic conflicts to religious conflicts and terrorist attacks, it seems to be a never-ending trend. Boko Haram insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria, increasing banditry violence in the northwest and continuous farmer-herder conflict in the middle belt have all led to an on-going crisis. The constant violent confrontation in these parts of the country left scores of innocent people dead, and many more displaced. According to the UN on August 13, 2020, approximately 10.6 million Nigerians need humanitarian assistance in the northeast due to insecurity, representing up to 50% increase in the number of people in need compared to 2019.