Nigeria

Overview

Latest Developments

17/02/2020: The Borno state government have begun the planned repatriation of 120,000 refugees from Niger to Nigeria. Whether these repatriated refugees will be put in camps or with host communities is still unclear.?

13/02/2020: Insurgent activities such as the attack on electricity lines on 17 January 2020 and intensified attacks on the single safe highway (Kano-Maiduguri Golden Gate) are attempting to cut off Borno state from other parts of Nigeria. Having killed 11 soldiers and 4 civilians in 5 separate attacks on the highway and kidnapping more than 30 people in January 2020, insurgents burnt resting travellers alive on 9 February, killing about 30 and taking away 3 buses containing women and children. These attacks have led to a partial shutdown of movements with the military closing the highway by 15.00 pm daily, stalling the inflow of economic and commercial goods. Villagers living along the highway are also being evacuated. Humanitarian access is likely to be affected as most aid offices are in Damaturu. If the Golden Gate is completely shut down, Maiduguri would become accessible only by air, and this is not affordable for about 90% of the population of the city. Humanitarian access and logistics may also have to be negotiated using flights from Damaturu to Maiduguri.?

12/02/2020: Insurgent attacks on Auno village close to Maiduguri has killed more than 30 people on 9 February 2020. 3 buses with women and children were also taken away by the insurgents. Auno lies on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway (Golden Gate) that connects Maiduguri to other parts of Nigeria. This highway is the only one safe to use out of 6 others and has witnessed several attacks and kidnappings in 2020.?