North East Nigeria - geopolitical zone of Nigeria

There is a significant threat of terrorism in North East Nigeria; the extremist groups Boko Haram and ISWAP are based in this area. The US State Department and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against travel to this area. In addition to precautions for COVID-19, they recommend practising special health precautions because of the risk of contracting Malaria.

North East Nigeria is a region of Nigeria that occupies slightly less than one-third of Nigeria's total area and had a projected population for 2011 of 23.6 million, or 13.5% of the country's population. The Fulani are well spread across the region. The Kanuri make up the majority in Borno and Yobe states. The Jukun peoples make up the majority in Taraba state and are also spread across neighbouring states. There are over 100 ethnic groups in the region.

Regions

North East consists of the following states:

• Adamawa State
• Bauchi State
• Borno State
• Gombe State
• Taraba State
• Yobe State

Cities

• Bauchi — capital city of Bauchi State, and of the traditional Bauchi Emirate
• Maiduguri — capital of the Borno State, and the principal trading hub for north-eastern Nigeria
• Alkaleri
• Gombe
• Damaturu
• Jalingo
• Jama′are
• Jimeta
• Wukari
• Yola

Other destinations

• Gashaka Gumti National Park — Nigeria's largest national park
• Kashimbila Game Reserve
• Sukur — A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sukur Cultural Landscape includes a palace complex and village, material culture, and natural terraced fields
• Chad Basin National Park

Understand

The Mambilla Plateau encompasses large parts of Taraba State, with an average elevation of 1,600 metres it offers dramatic landscapes with spectacular views.

Get in

Get around

See

• The Sukur Cultural Landscape, near the border to Cameroon is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Do

Eat

• Kunun gyada, a groundnut based porridge.
• Mordam, a millet gruel taken with yoghurt.

Drink

• Sharwa Milk, a drink from Borno made with white rice.
• Kunun Aya, a juice made from tiger nuts.
• Sobo, a beverage made with hibiscus flowers.

Stay safe

Connect

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