Flooding may increase anti-government anger in Nigeria

Significance The flooding has affected up to 2 million people in a city that has suffered deeply over the past 15 years from jihadist insurgencies. President Bola Tinubu, other high-ranking officials and the military have appeared to react with uncharacteristic speed to the disaster. Impacts The flooding could decrease military pressure on jihadists in the countryside as the authorities turn to managing the flood’s aftermath. Major protests in Maiduguri or elsewhere are possible if authorities fail to sustain a convincing and effective response. Flooding across the country may drive down food production.