ABUJA: The Nigerian government warned on Friday that unidentified groups were seeking to destabilise the country and foment a repeat of the violence that last month saw scores killed across the country.

Information Minister Frank Nweke said security forces would crack down firmly on religious or political leaders who attempted to revive the divisions which have made Africa’s most populous country one of its most unruly.

"Security and intelligence agencies indicate that there are continuing efforts by some individuals, groups and organisations in the country to instigate further violence and mayhem in many states," he said.

Nweke said groups and individuals opposed to President Olusegun Obasanjo’s continuing rule are working to give the impression of "instability in the country through all possible foul, devious and underhand means."

Last month riots and violent unrest erupted across Nigeria. Northern Muslims protesting against blasphemous cartoons in the European press turned on their Christian neighbours, killing dozens of them.

At least 80 Muslims died in revenge attacks carried out by Christian mobs seeking to drive the Islamic minority out of southern cities.

In the Niger Delta, separatist militants attacked oil facilities, killing more than 20 members of the security forces, kidnapping 13 foreign workers and slashing the country’s key crude exports by 20 per cent.

Meanwhile, tension is mounting over Obasanjo’s alleged plan to change the constitution to allow him to stand for a third term when his mandate expires in next year. The next flashpoint is likely to be a controversial national census planned for March 21.