There are 371 tribes in Nigeria with unique dialects and cultures. These tribes are scattered across the 36 states in Nigeria.
These tribes are located across the 36 states of the country, with some existing across multiple state boundaries. The most popular tribes in Nigeria are undoubtedly the Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo tribes which make up 60% of the total population of Nigeria. The Hausa are predominantly in the north while the Yorubas are found in the western part of the country. Igbos, on the other hand, are in the east.
Below is a comprehensive list of all the tribes in Nigeria grouped under the states where you can find them.
States and The Nigerian Tribes That Occupy Them
1. Abia State (Umuahia)
- Igbo
2. Adamawa State (Yola)
- Babur
- Bachama
- Banso (Panso)
- Batta
- Baya
- Bilei
- Bille
- Botlere
- Bura
- Bwatiye
- Bwazza
- Daba
- Daka
- Palli
- Ga’anda
- Gira
- Gizigz
Gombi - Gude
- Gudu
- Gwa (Gurawa)
- Gwamba
- Higi (Hig)
- Holma
- Hona
- Ichen
Jibu - Jirai
- Kaka
- Kambu
- Kanakuru (Dera)
- Kanuri
- Kilba
- Kurdul
- Lakka
- Lala
- Ubbo
- Longuda (Lunguda)
- Mambilla
- Margi (Marghi)
- Matakarn
- Mbol
- Mbula
- Muchaila
- Mundang
- Ngweshe (Ndhang.Ngoshe-Ndhang)
- Njayi
- Pire
- Shuwa
- Sukur
- Teme
- Tigon
- Tur
- Vemgo
- Verre
- Wagga
- Wula
- Wurbo
- Yungur
3. Akwa Ibom State (Uyo)
- Anang
- Andoni
- Eket
- Ibeno
- Ibibio
- Okobo (Okkobor)
- Oron
4. Anambra State (Awka)
- Igbo
5. Bauchi State (Bauchi)
- Angas
- Bambora (Bambarawa)
- Banka (Bankalawa)
- Bara (Barawa)
- Barke
- Bele (Buli, Belewa)
- Boma (Bomawa, Burmano)
- Bomboro
- Buli
- Burak
- Buta (Butawa)
- Chama (Chamawa Fitilai)
- Chamo
- Dadiya
- Daza (Dere, Derewa)
- Deno (Denawa)
- Ouguri
- Duma (Dumawa)
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Galambi
- Geji
- Gera (Gere, Gerawa)
- Geruma (Gerumawa)
- Gingwak
- Gubi (Gubawa)
- Gururntum
- Gyem
- Hausa
- Jaku
- Jara (Jaar Jarawa Jarawa-Dutse)
- Jere (Jare, Jera, Jera, Jerawa)
- Jimbin (Jimbinawa)
- Jukun
- Kamo
- Karekare (Karaikarai)
- Kariya
- Kirfi (Kirfawa)
- Kubi (Kubawa)
- Kudachano (Kudawa)
- Kushi
- Kwami (Kwom)
- Kwanka (Kwankwa)
- Limono
- Longuda (Lunguda)
- Miya (Miyawa)
- Ngamo
- Ningi (Ningawa)
- Pa’a (Pa’awa Afawa)
- Pero
- Polchi Habe
- Rebina (Rebinawa)
- Sanga
- Saya (Sayawa Za’ar)
- Segidi (Sigidawa)
- Siri (Sirawa)
- Tangale
- Tera (Terawa)
- Tula
- Waja
- Warji
- Zaranda
- Zayam (Zeam)
- Zul (Zulawa)
6. Bayelsa State (Yenagoa)
- Izondjo
7. Benue State (Makurdi)
- Akweya-Yachi
- Egede (Igedde)
- Etolu (Etilo)
- Idoma
- Igbo
- Jukun
- Tiv
- Ufia
- Utonkong
- Yalla
8. Borno State (Maiduguri)
- Babur
- Buduma
- Chinine
- Dghwede
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Gamergu-Mulgwa
- Gavako
- Gwoza (Waha)
- Hausa
- Higi (Hig)
- Kanakuru (Dera)
- Kanembu
- Kanuri
- Mandara (Wandala)
- Margi (Marghi)
- Ngweshe (Ndhang.Ngoshe-Ndhang)
- Shuwa
- Tera (Terawa)
9. Cross River State (Calabar)
- Abayon
- Adim
- Adun
- Agbo
- Akaju-Ndem (Akajuk)
- Anyima
- Bachere
- Bahumono
- Bekwarra
- Bette
- Boki (Nki)
- Efik
- Ejagham
- Ekajuk
- Ekoi
- Etung
- Ikorn
- Iyala (Iyalla)
- Mbembe
- Mbube
- Nkim
- Nkum
- Ododop
- Olulumo
- Qua
- Ukelle
- Uyanga
- Yache
- Yakurr (Yako)
10. Delta State (Asaba)
- Igbo
- Isoko
- Isekiri (Itsekiri)
- Izondjo
- Ukwani (Kwale)
- Urhobo
11. Ebonyi State (Abakaliki)
- Igbo
12. Edo State (Benin City)
- Bini
- Ebirra (Igbirra)
- Ebu
- Esan (Ishan)
- Etsako
- Etuno
- Okpamheri
- Owan
- Uneme (Ineme)
13. Ekiti State (Ado Ekiti)
- Yoruba
14. Enugu State (Enugu)
- Igbo
- Mbembe
15. Gombe State (Gombe)
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Hausa
16. Imo State (Owerri)
- Igbo
17. Jigawa State (Dutse)
- Angas
- Auyoka (Auyokawa)
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Hausa
- Kanuri
- Kurama
- Warja (Warja)
18. Kaduna State (Kaduna)
- Attakar (ataka)
- Ayu
- Bassa
- Bina (Binawa)
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Gure
- Gwandara
- Gwari (Gbari)
- Hausa
- Jaba
- Kafanchan
- Kagaro
- Kaje (Kache)
- Kajuru (Kajurawa)
- Kamaku (Karnukawa)
- Kanikon
- Kanuri
- Katab (Kataf)
- Kiballo (Kiwollo)
- Koro (Kwaro)
- Kurama
- Mada
- Manchok
- Moruwa (Moro’a, Morwa)
- Ninzam (Ninzo)
- Nunku
- Rishuwa
- Rumada
- Rumaya
- Srubu (Surubu)
- Uncinda
19. Kano State (Kano)
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Hausa
- Kanuri
- Shira (Shirawa)
- Teshena (Teshenawa)
20. Katsina State (Katsina)
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Hausa
21. Kebbi State (Birnin Kebbi)
- Achipa (Achipawa)
- Dakarkari
- Danda (Dandawa)
- Duka (Dukawa)
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Hausa
- Kamaku (Karnukawa)
- Kambari
- Reshe
- Uncinda
- Zarma (Zarmawa)
22. Kogi State (Lokoja)
- Bassa
- Bunu
- Ebirra (Igbirra)
- Ebu
- Gbedde
- Igalla
- Ijumu
- Yoruba
23. Kwara State (Ilorin)
- Ogori
- Owe
- Oworo
- Yagba
- Yoruba
24. Lagos State (Ikeja)
- Awori
- Egun (Gu)
- Yoruba
25. Nasarawa State (Lafia)
- Tiv
26. Niger State (Minna)
- Baruba (Barba)
- Bassa
- Baushi
- Boko (Bussawa, Bargawa)
- Buduma
- Dakarkari
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Gade
- Gurmana
- Gwandara
- Gwari (Gbari)
- Hausa
- Kamaku (Karnukawa)
- Kambari
- Kanuri
- Koro (Kwaro)
- Kurama
- Laaru (Larawa)
- Lopa (Lupa, Lopawa)
- Nupe
- Pongo (Pongu)
- Reshe
- Rubu
- Uncinda
- Ura (Ula)
- Yumu
- Zabara
27. Ogun State (Abeokuta)
- Awori
- Egun (Gu)
- Yoruba
28. Ondo State (Akure)
- Ebirra (Igbirra)
- Izondjo
- Yoruba
29. Osun State (Oshogbo)
- Yoruba
30. Oyo State (Ibadan)
- Yoruba
31. Plateau State (Jos)
- Afizere
- Afo
- Alago (Arago)
- Amo
- Anaguta
- Angas
- Ankwei
- Bada
- Bashiri (Bashirawa)
- Bassa
- Birom
- Bkkus
- Buji
- Burma (Burmawa)
- Bwall
- Challa
- Chip
- Chokobo
- Doemak (Dumuk)
- Eggon
- Fyam (Fyem)
- Fyer (Fer)
- Qanawuri
- Geruma (Gerumawa)
- Goernai
- Gusu
- Gwandara
- Gwari (Gbari)
- Irigwe
- Jere (Jare, Jera, Jera, Jerawa)
- Jidda-Abu
- Jukun
- Kantana
- Kanuri
- Kenern (Koenoem)
- Kulere (Kaler)
- Kurama
- Kwalla
- Kwanka (Kwankwa)
- Kwaro
- Kwato
- Limono
- Mabo
- Mada
- Mama
- Memyang (Meryan)
- Miango
- Miligili (Migili)
- Mobber
- Montol
- Munga (Mupang)
- Mushere
- Mwahavul (Mwaghavul)
- Ninzam (Ninzo)
- Nokere (Nakere)
- Nunku
- Pai
- Pyapun (Piapung)
- Rindire (Rendre)
- Ron
- Rukuba
- Shangawa (Shangau)
- Shan-Shan
- Sikdi
- Sura
- Tarok
- Tiv
- Yergan (Yergum)
- Yuom
32. Rivers State (Port Harcourt)
- Abua (Odual)
- Andoni
- Degema
- Ebana (Ebani)
- Egbema
- Engenni (Ngene)
- Epie
- Etche
- Gokana (Kana)
- Igbo
- Izondjo
33. Sokoto State (Sokoto)
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Hausa
- Kyenga (Kengawa)
- Shanga (Shangawa)
- Uncinda
34. Taraba State (Jalingo)
- Babur
- Bakulung
- Bali
- Bambuko
- Banda (Bandawa)
- Betso (Bete)
- Bobua
- Chamba
- Chukkol
- Dangsa
- Diba
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Gengle
- Gornum (Gmun)
- Gonia
- Gwom
- Hausa
- Idoma
- Jahuna (Jahunawa)
- Jero
- Jonjo (Jenjo)
- Jukun
- Kaba (Kabawa)
- Kadara
- Kanuri
- Karimjo
- Kenton
- Koma
- Kona
- Kugama
- Kunini
- Kuteb
- Kutin
- Kwanchi
- Lama
- Lamja
- Lau
- Mbum
- Mumuye
- Ndoro
- Nyandang
- Panyam
- Pkanzom
- Poll
- Potopo
- Sakbe
- Sate
- Shomo
- Tarok
- Tikar
- Tiv
- Vommi
- Waka
- Wurkun
- Yandang
- Yott
35. Yobe State (Damaturu)
- Affade
- Babur
- Bade
- Bole (Bolewa)
- Buru
- Chibok (Chibbak)
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Hausa
- Kanuri
- Karekare (Karaikarai)
- Manga (Mangawa)
- Ngamo
- Ngizim
36. Zamfara State (Gusau)
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Hausa
How Many Tribes Are In Nigeria?
There are 371 tribes in Nigeria. A majority of these tribes are located in northern Nigeria, with states like Taraba, Plateau, Yobe, Niger, Kebbi, Kaduna, Borno, Bauchi, and Adamawa having at least ten different tribes existing under each boundary. In the south, the state with the most tribes is Cross River State. Others coming close to it are Benue, Edo, and Rivers. Below is a complete list of tribes in Nigeria in alphabetical order.
- Abayon
- Abua (Odual)
- Achipa (Achipawa)
- Adim
- Adun
- Affade
- Afizere
- Afo
- Agbo
- Akaju-Ndem (Akajuk)
- Akweya-Yachi
- Alago (Arago)
- Amo
- Anaguta
- Anang
- Andoni
- Angas
- Ankwei
- Anyima
- Attakar (ataka)
- Auyoka (Auyokawa)
- Awori
- Ayu
- Babur
- Bachama
- Bachere
- Bada
- Bade
- Bahumono
- Bakulung
- Bali
- Bambora (Bambarawa)
- Bambuko
- Banda (Bandawa)
- Banka (Bankalawa)
- Banso (Panso)
- Bara (Barawa)
- Barke
- Baruba (Barba)
- Bashiri (Bashirawa)
- Bassa
- Batta
- Baushi
- Baya
- Bekwarra
- Bele (Buli, Belewa)
- Betso (Bete)
- Bette
- Bilei
- Bille
- Bina (Binawa)
- Bini
- Birom
- Bobua
- Boki (Nki)
- Bkkos
- Boko (Bussawa, Bargawa)
- Bole (Bolewa)
- Botler
- Boma (Bomawa, Burmano)
- Bomboro
- Buduma
- Buji
- Buli
- Bunu
- Bura
- Burak
- Burma (Burmawa)
- Buru
- Buta (Butawa)
- Bwall
- Bwatiye
- Bwazza
- Challa
- Chama (Chamawa Fitilai)
- Chamba
- Chamo
- Chibok (Chibbak)
- Chinine
- Chip
- Chokobo
- Chukkol
- Daba
- Dadiya
- Daka
- Dakarkari
- Danda (Dandawa)
- Dangsa
- Daza (Dere, Derewa)
- Degema
- Deno (Denawa)
- Dghwede
- Diba
- Doemak (Dumuk)
- Ouguri
- Duka (Dukawa)
- Duma (Dumawa)
- Ebana (Ebani)
- Ebirra (lgbirra)
- Ebu
- Efik
- Egbema
- Egede (lgedde)
- Eggon
- Egun (Gu)
- Ejagham
- Ekajuk
- Eket
- Ekoi
- Engenni (Ngene)
- Epie
- Esan (Ishan)
- Etche
- Etolu (Etilo)
- Etsako
- Etung
- Etuno
- Palli
- Fulani (Fulbe)
- Fyam (Fyem)
- Fyer (Fer)
- Ga’anda
- Gade
- Galambi
- Gamergu-Mulgwa
- Qanawuri
- Gavako
- Gbedde
- Gengle
- Geji
- Gera (Gere, Gerawa)
- Geruma (Gerumawa)
- Geruma (Gerumawa)
- Gingwak
- Gira
- Gizigz
- Goernai
- Gokana (Kana)
- Gombi
- Gornun (Gmun)
- Gonia
- Gubi (Gubawa)
- Gude
- Gudu
- Gure
- Gurmana
- Gururntum
- Gusu
- Gwa (Gurawa)
- Gwamba
- Gwandara
- Gwari (Gbari)
- Gwom
- Gwoza (Waha)
- Gyem
- Hausa
- Higi (Hig)
- Holma
- Hona
- Ibeno
- Ibibio
- Ichen
- Idoma
- Igalla
- lgbo
- ljumu
- Ikorn
- Irigwe
- Isoko
- lsekiri (Itsekiri)
- lyala (lyalla)
- lzondjo
- Jaba
- Jahuna (Jahunawa)
- Jaku
- Jara (Jaar Jarawa Jarawa-Dutse)
- Jere (Jare, Jera, Jera, Jerawa)
- Jero
- Jibu
- Jidda-Abu
- Jimbin (Jimbinawa)
- Jirai
- Jonjo (Jenjo)
- Jukun
- Kaba (Kabawa)
- Kadara
- Kafanchan
- Kagoro
- Kaje (Kache)
- Kajuru (Kajurawa)
- Kaka
- Kamaku (Karnukawa)
- Kambari
- Kambu
- Kamo
- Kanakuru (Dera)
- Kanembu
- Kanikon
- Kantana
- Kanuri
- Karekare (Karaikarai)
- Karimjo
- Kariya
- Katab (Kataf)
- Kenern (Koenoem)
- Kenton
- Kiballo (Kiwollo)
- Kilba
- Kirfi (Kirfawa)
- Koma
- Kona
- Koro (Kwaro)
- Kubi (Kubawa)
- Kudachano (Kudawa)
- Kugama
- Kulere (Kaler)
- Kunini
- Kurama
- Kurdul
- Kushi
- Kuteb
- Kutin
- Kwalla
- Kwami (Kwom)
- Kwanchi
- Kwanka (Kwankwa)
- Kwaro
- Kwato
- Kyenga (Kengawa)
- Laaru (Larawa)
- Lakka
- Lala
- Lama
- Lamja
- Lau
- Ubbo
- Limono
- Lopa (Lupa, Lopawa)
- Longuda (Lunguda)
- Mabo
- Mada
- Mama
- Mambilla
- Manchok
- Mandara (Wandala)
- Manga (Mangawa)
- Margi (Marghi)
- Matakarn
- Mbembe
- Mbol
- Mbube
- Mbula
- Mbum
- Memyang (Meryan)
- Miango
- Miligili (Migili)
- Miya (Miyawa)
- Mobber
- Montol
- Moruwa (Moro’a, Morwa)
- Muchaila
- Mumuye
- Mundang
- Munga (Mupang)
- Mushere
- Mwahavul (Mwaghavul)
- Ndoro
- Ngamo
- Ngizim
- Ngweshe (Ndhang.Ngoshe-Ndhang)
- Ningi (Ningawa)
- Ninzam (Ninzo)
- Njayi
- Nkim
- Nkum
- Nokere (Nakere)
- Nunku
- Nupe
- Nyandang
- Ododop
- Ogori
- Okobo (Okkobor)
- Okpamheri
- Olulumo
- Oron
- Owan
- Owe
- Oworo
- Pa’a (Pa’awa Afawa)
- Pai
- Panyam
- Pero
- Pire
- Pkanzom
- Poll
- Polchi Habe
- Pongo (Pongu)
- Potopo
- Pyapun (Piapung)
- Qua
- Rebina (Rebinawa)
- Reshe
- Rindire (Rendre)
- Rishuwa
- Ron
- Rubu
- Rukuba
- Rumada
- Rumaya
- Sakbe
- Sanga
- Sate
- Saya (Sayawa Za’ar)
- Segidi (Sigidawa)
- Shanga (Shangawa)
- Shangawa (Shangau)
- Shan-Shan
- Shira (Shirawa)
- Shomo
- Shuwa
- Sikdi
- Siri (Sirawa)
- Srubu (Surubu)
- Sukur
- Sura
- Tangale
- Tarok
- Teme
- Tera (Terawa)
- Teshena (Teshenawa)
- Tigon
- Tikar
- Tiv
- Tula
- Tur
- Ufia
- Ukelle
- Ukwani (Kwale)
- Uncinda
- Uneme (Ineme)
- Ura (Ula)
- Urhobo
- Utonkong
- Uyanga
- Vemgo
- Verre
- Vommi
- Wagga
- Waja
- Waka
- Warja (Warja)
- Warji
- Wula
- Wurbo
- Wurkun
- Yache
- Yagba
- Yakurr (Yako)
- Yalla
- Yandang
- Yergan (Yergum)
- Yoruba
- Yott
- Yumu
- Yungur
- Yuom
- Zabara
- Zaranda
- Zarma (Zarmawa)
- Zayam (Zeam)
- Zul (Zulawa)
FAQs
How Many Tribes Do We Have In Nigeria?
There are 371 ethnic groups in Nigeria. The three largest ethnic groups are the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo. These ethnic groups consist of multiple tribes, which enumerate up to 371.
Which Is The Richest Tribes In Nigeria?
According to sources, the Igbo tribe is currently the richest tribe in Nigeria with the highest number of the richest people in the country. The Yoruba tribe comes second in terms of wealth, while the Hausa tribe is the most populous tribe in Nigeria. Here are the top 12 richest tribes in; Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Edo, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, Kalabari, Kanuri, Tiv, and Fulani.
Which Is The Strongest Tribe In Nigeria?
It is difficult to determine which tribe is the strongest as each tribe has its strengths and weaknesses. In terms of population, area, military prowess, and political influence, the Hausa and Fulani tribes are considered the strongest. The Yoruba tribe is strong in terms of academics, whereas the Igbos boast about being the wealthiest tribe in terms of banking and business.
Which Is The Cleanest Tribe In Nigeria?
The Igbo tribe is considered one of the cleanest tribes in Nigeria. They are known for their strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit, and cultural pride. The Igbo have a number of cultural practices that promote cleanliness. For example, they have a traditional bathing ritual called “iri ihe nsi” (to eat soap). This ritual involves bathing with soap made from the bark of certain trees and herbs. The Igbo also have a taboo against littering and spitting in public. The Igbo are generally very good at maintaining their personal hygiene. They bathe regularly, brush their teeth twice a day, and wash their hands frequently.
Which Is Most Educated Tribe In Nigeria?
The Yoruba tribe is the most educated tribe in Nigeria based on available data. The top 10 most educated tribes are Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Edo, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Calabar, Ibibio, and Isoko. These tribes have shown a strong commitment to education and have produced a significant number of highly educated individuals.
It’s important to note that education is highly valued within these tribes, leading to a high number of graduates and professionals. The tribes prioritize education for future generations, ensuring a continuous pursuit of knowledge. Despite stereotypes, tribes like the Calabar tribe have achieved high levels of education within their communities. These tribes contribute significantly to Nigerian society through their intellectual capabilities and influence.
Which Is The Most Beautiful Tribe In Nigeria?
It is difficult to determine which tribe is the most beautiful as beauty is subjective and varies from person to person. However, some tribes are known for their rich cultural heritage, infrastructure, education, and language. Here are some of the most beautiful indigenous tribes in Nigeria based on an overall survey that incorporated analyzing the tidiness, education, infrastructures, and status of the 36 states in Nigeria:
- Ibibio: The Efik-Ibibio are located around Nigeria’s coastal south-eastern area in Akwa Ibom State and Cross River state. They are known for their rich oral history, wooden masks, and carvings. The Ibibio clan comprises Annang, Efik, Ekid, Oron, and Ibeno sub-ethnic groups, and they communicate in related languages. They are mostly Christians and have various edible vegetable delicacies such as Afang soup, Edikang Ikong soup, Fufu, pepper soup, Ukwoho, Atama, etc.
- Igbo: The Igbos are another friendly ethnic group in Nigeria. They are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and hard work. They are mostly Christians and have a rich cultural heritage, including masquerades, music, and dance. They are also known for their delicious cuisines, such as Ofe Onugbu, Nkwobi, Abacha, and Ugba.
- Hausa: The Hausas are located in northern Nigeria and are known for their rich cultural heritage, including their traditional attire, music, and dance. They are mostly Muslims and have a unique way of life, including their architecture, food, and language. They are known for their delicious cuisines, such as Tuwo Shinkafa, Miyan Kuka, and Kilishi.
Which Is The Oldest Tribe In Nigeria?
The oldest tribe in Nigeria is believed to be the Nri-Igbo tribe. According to oral tradition and historical accounts, the Nri-Igbo people have a history that dates back over a thousand years. They are known for their ancient civilization and cultural practices, including their religious and political systems.
However, there are some tribes that have existed for a really long time. Here are five of the oldest tribes in Nigeria:
- Hausa: The Hausas boast of a long history that predates the establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate in the 19th century. This tribe has its roots tracing back to the ancient city-states of Kano, Katsina, and Zazzau, where they developed a flourishing trade and cultural exchange network.
- Yoruba: The Yoruba people have also been around for a long time with their history dating back centuries. The city of Ife is often regarded as the ancestral home of the Yoruba, where intricate bronze and terracotta sculptures reveal their artistic achievements. This tribe is also popular for having urban cities centuries before the British invasion.
- Igbo: The Igbos have also been around for a long time and are regarded as one of the oldest tribes in Nigeria. It is believed that the Igbo people migrated to their present-day homeland around 2,000 years ago and they were influenced by the Nri Kingdom’s religious and political systems.
- Ijaw: The Ijaws are believed to have existed as far back as the early 800 BCE. Some reports say the Ijaws have existed as a distinct language and ethnic group for over 5,000 years. The Ijaws are found mostly in the Niger Delta region and are said to be the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria.
- Kanuri: Although not as popular as the other tribes, the Kanuri tribe is also one of the oldest in Nigeria. This tribe is said to have originated from the ancient Kanem-Bornu Empire. Their roots trace back over a thousand years, to a time when their empire was a hub of trade and scholarship in the Sahel region. The Kanuri are known for their distinct language and preserved traditions.