Nigeria, West Africa

Population: ........138,283,240

Political Leader: President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua

Religions: .........Christianity 52.6%, Islam 41%, Traditional 6%, Other 0.4%

Persecution Ranking: 32 (North)

Number of Terrorist Groups: 5

Acts of Terrorism: 38; Casualties: 13

Percent of Corruption: 78%

% of People in Poverty: 70%

Location:

Nigeria, officially named the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa and the most populous country in Africa. Nigeria shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in the north. Its coast lies on the Gulf of Guinea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, in the south. Since 1991, its capital has been the centrally located city of Abuja; previously, the Nigerian government was headquartered in the coastal city, Lagos.

Terrorism:

The apprehensions and trials of extremists by the Nigerian government seemed to indicate not just recognition of potential threats to itself and its citizens, but a responsiveness and willingness to act to protect American interests, including facilities and personnel, according to Country Reports on Terrorism 2007. These arrests also suggested some degree of cooperation and facilitation among extremist groups in the Sahel, which were made possible by porous borders with minimal controls, and the logistical difficulties inherent in patrolling the Sahara desert.

Religion:

Christians comprise 52.6% of Ethiopia's population, while Muslims make up 41%. There is a wide cultural difference between the Muslim north and largely Christian south. These differences have created tensions, which have escalated into violence and civil war.

Challenges for Christians:

Nigeria is ranked No. 32 among nations that are the worst persecutors of Christians based on Open Doors 2008 World Watch List. In many of the northern Muslim states, a strict Islamic Shari'a law was imposed in 2000 and Christians there face intense persecution.

Prayer Points:

Pray for God to disrupt the plans of terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda, the Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and the Nigerian Taliban, as they try to operate and recruit in Nigeria.

Pray for the Nigerian government to continue to not support international terrorism or terrorists.

Thank God that more persecution has meant more prayer. Nigerian Christians are passionate about praying¯some of the biggest prayer meetings in history have been in Nigeria. As many as 3 million people have come together to pray in the city of Lagos; that many people would fill 50 football stadiums.

Pray for peace, reconciliation and healing between people from the north and south of Nigeria.

Pray that the introduction of the Islamic Shari'a law would not present a threat to the future unity of the nation.

The Church in Nigeria has grown quickly and rapidly.

Pray that this widespread evangelism would be followed by Bible-based discipleship and teaching to help people follow Jesus in their lives.

The age-gap between older and younger Christian leaders is large, and many show unwillingness to train-up and disciple young people into leadership.

Pray that God would raise up leaders who have a humble spirit and a desire to mentor others.

Persecution in Nigeria's northern states has led to the death of thousands of Christians and the destruction of church buildings.

Pray that God would comfort all who have lost their families and suffered.

Pray also that the spirit of forgiveness would be stronger than any feelings of revenge.