Significant deterioration in security situation with massacre of 600 Hausa and Fulani Muslims by local Tarok Christians in Plateau town of Yelwa 2 May. Massacre sparked further violence in Plateau, Kano and Kebbi states of central and northern Nigeria leading to displacement of 57,000. President Obasanjo declared parliament-backed state of emergency in Plateau in attempt to end “near mutual genocide” 18 May; sacked state governor and legislature prompting memories of military rule. Emergency rule not yet effective in preventing further violence in Plateau villages. Government-appointed governor General Chris Alli gave militia groups until 7 June to surrender illegal weapons. Opposition marches calling Obasanjo’s government “civilian dictatorship” disrupted by police 3 and 16 May.

Increasing unrest in Niger Delta and worsening sectarian violence in centre and north. Seven oil workers and guards, including 2 U.S. workers, killed in ambush in Delta 23 April by Ijaw militants. Five Ijaw assailants killed 17 April trying to storm oil facility. Government responded by launching military offensive against militants. Protesters forced another oil facility to close briefly 14 April. More than 100 believed killed in sectarian violence between Muslims and Christians in remote central villages 27 April, with thousands forced to flee. In north, Muslims razed several Christian churches and police station early April.

Number of political figures shot dead in lead-up to local elections on 27 March. Government responded by ordering massive deployment of police throughout country. Election day marred by violence and fraud, with some 50 killed, and widespread allegations of intimidation of voters and manipulation of results. Ruling People’s Democratic Party won clear victory. Further violence in delta oil town Warri, with at least 5 killed 9 March in shootout between troops and unidentified gunmen; local community group later claimed at least 51 unarmed villagers killed in fighting - denied by government.

At least 150 killed in 2 weeks of sectarian violence. Some 40 Muslims killed 26 February by Christians in Plateau state, central Nigeria, in retaliation for slayings of about 90 Christians by Islamic fighters 24 February. Sudanese man arrested 19 February for allegedly channelling Saudi funds to extremist Muslim group which launched abortive December uprising in northern Nigeria. Commission implementing decision of International Court of Justice to award disputed Bakassi peninsula to Cameroon delayed visit to region at request of Nigeria, which disputes ruling.

Ethnic clashes in south and north left many dead and thousands displaced. Northern clashes between Islamist militants and security forces left at least 18 militants dead, and caused at least 10,000 civilians to flee. At least 30 killed in number of clashes involving Ijaw militants in Niger delta. Cameroon and Nigeria yet to reach agreement over oil rich Bakassi peninsular - awarded to Cameroon by International Court of Justice in 2002 in decision disputed by Nigeria – but countries agreed to introduce joint security patrols in contested region.

Handed over 32 border villages to Cameroon 16 December, in accordance with International Court of Justice ruling. Oil-rich Bakassi peninsular still to be returned to Cameroon. Continued fighting between ethnic militias in oil rich Warri region - Human Rights Watch claimed conflict essentially over oil money.

Muslim militants burnt to ground 13 churches and several houses in north of country – no deaths reported. Ethnic Ijaw militants attacked and occupied two offshore oil rigs, driven off by navy. In subsequent attack, militants took 7 foreign oil workers hostage 28 November – released after 2 days. Decision of International Court of Justice that Nigeria cede disputed territory, particularly oil rich Bakassi peninsula, to Cameroon causes tension.

More than 12 people killed in fresh ethnic violence in Niger delta town of Warri. Nigeria rated as second most corrupt country in world (after Bangladesh) by Transparency International in report released 9 October.

Several people died in fighting in oil city of Warri in Niger delta.

Ethnic conflict between Ijaw and Itsekiri groups and within Ijaw groups in Niger delta claimed almost 100 lives and left more than 1,000 injured. Ceasefire declared on 20 August after 5 days fighting, though there has been sporadic fighting since. Nigeria’s President Obasanjo provided asylum to Liberia’s ousted President Taylor.