Hard - line Muslim militants attack government troops in northern Nigeria . Militants want strict Islamic law , or sharia , in entire territory of Nigeria . The southern half of Nigeria is predominantly Christian . Unclear if 700 includes 400 deaths of police , troops and civilians than before . North of Nigeria predominantly Muslim ; south is Christian .
Hard - line Muslim militants attack government troops in northern Nigeria . Militants want strict Islamic law , or sharia , in entire territory of Nigeria . Unclear if 700 includes 400 deaths of police , troops and civilians than before . North of Nigeria predominantly Muslim ; south is Christian .