Hundreds of people have taken to the streets in several cities in northern Nigeria and the capital, Abuja, demanding action by the authorities to end the worsening violence sweeping through the region.
Armed gangs have recently stepped up killings and kidnapping people for ransom including students, travellers and worshippers.
In Abuja, protesters gathered at the popular Unity Fountain square to highlight the deepening insecurity.
Demonstrators vowed to continue with the protests.
They said the government is not doing enough despite the deployment of thousands of troops.
In some of the latest attacks this week at least 16 people were shot dead in a mosque and dozens of passengers burnt alive by gunmen.
