Lawlessness, widespread corruption and the lack of military control in Nigeria have allowed an almost unfettered rush of score-settling between tribes, religious groups and even rival cities. There's a real risk the nation will burst into widespread chaos and violence at any time.

Lagos and the Niger River delta in Nigeria's south are particularly unstable, with carjackings, kidnapping, piracy, riots and ethnic clashes prevalent; the northern city of Kano is also dodgy. As travelling between the airport and Lagos is considered dangerous, visitors to Lagos should arrange to be met on arrival.

Street crime, robberies and muggings occur throughout the country, often in broad daylight.

Unrest is mounting in the oil-rich region of Bakassi following a ruling by the International Court of Justice, ordering the entire peninsula be handed over to neighbouring Cameroon. Locals, who have pledged loyalty to Nigeria, have threatened to fight for independence in the Nigerian government accedes to the ICJ's judgement.