Drivers of communal and insurgent violence in Nigeria include militant Islamist groups such as Boko Haram that have killed both Christians and Muslims; clashes between mainly Muslim herders and mostly Christian farmers over land and water; and armed bandits who carry out abductions for ransom and frequently target schools.
November 23, 2025
high
security
Structural causes and actors involved in different forms of violence within Nigeria.
Militant Islamist groups such as Boko Haram have carried out violence in Nigeria that has killed both Christians and Muslims.
November 23, 2025
high
conflict
Violent extremist activity in Nigeria has affected multiple religious communities.
As of 2025-11-18, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were the primary Islamist extremist groups operating in Nigeria and they primarily targeted Christians while also attacking Muslims of other sects.
November 18, 2025
high
descriptive
Identifies principal extremist groups involved in communal and religiously motivated violence in Nigeria and the primary targets of their attacks.
The Boko Haram extremist group seeks to establish a radical interpretation of Islamic law and has targeted both Christians and Muslims, including Muslims it deems insufficiently observant.
November 01, 2025
high
descriptive
Characterization of Boko Haram's stated goals and targeting patterns
Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani militant groups are commonly identified as the primary perpetrators of violent attacks in Nigeria that often target Christian farmers and communities.
January 01, 2025
high
temporal
Entities frequently cited as responsible for violence against Christian communities in Nigeria.
Boko Haram is an Islamist militant group active in Nigeria that has carried out killings, abductions, and attacks against civilians.
May 20, 2024
high
temporal
Description of Boko Haram's nature and activities in Nigeria as reported in ongoing coverage of regional violence.
Nigeria's northern region frequently experiences attacks by Boko Haram, an armed group that is affiliated with the Islamic State.
high
contextual
Boko Haram is an Islamist extremist group active in Nigeria's north and linked to the Islamic State network.