Nigeria

Nigeria has been struggling with inter-communal, political, and sectarian violence since 1999, which has reportedly led to thousands of civilian deaths. Since 2009, there has been a steady flow of violence between Boko Haram, a militant Islamic group, and Nigerian Security Forces. Hostilities intensified in 2014 after Boko Haram initiated a violent campaign to control territory across most parts of Borno, northern Adamawa, and eastern Yobe. In February 2015, Nigeria started counter-insurgency operations, managing to recover almost all territory. Alleged atrocities occurred after presidential and National Assembly elections on 28 March 2015, as well as after state elections that took place on 11 April 2015. Following intense violence in northern Nigeria that left an estimated 800 people dead, Nigerian police allegedly conducted mass arrests, followed by alleged torture and summary executions, of suspected Boko Haram supporters in an attempt to restore order. Allegations against Boko Haram include targeted killings of educators and students; abductions of women and children; and forceful conscription of child soldiers. At least around 600 teachers have been killed and a further 19,000 forced to flee. The Nigerian army also faces allegations of involvement in sectarian clashes that have killed almost 347 Shiite Muslims in northern Nigeria. Where northern and central Nigeria have been the most affected by what has been called sectarian violence, militant groups are also active in the oil rich Niger-Delta region in the south.