Atlantic (Fula) · Nigeria’s peoples

Fulani

The Fulani (Fulbe) live across West Africa; in Nigeria they founded the Sokoto Caliphate and its emirates, including Adamawa, Gombe and Bauchi.

See the Fulani on the map Sokoto Caliphate

At a glance

Where do the Fulani people live?: Their homeland is in Gombe and Adamawa States, across 9 local government areas. They are also a large share of Gombe, Bauchi, Kwara, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba States.
What language do the Fulani speak?: Fulfulde, a language of the Atlantic (Fula) family (Atlantic-Congo › North-Central Atlantic › Fula).
Which kingdoms are part of Fulani history?: Sokoto Caliphate

Overview

The Fulani (Fulbe) live across West Africa; in Nigeria they founded the Sokoto Caliphate and its emirates, including Adamawa, Gombe and Bauchi. Fulfulde is spoken in every LGA of the North West and is the main language of most of Gombe. Many Fulani are settled townspeople and farmers; others are pastoralists who move with their herds.^[2],[3],[4]High confidence

Where the Fulani live

Local government areas by state. Homeland: the group is the majority. Shared area: a large share of a mixed area. Smaller presence: present, but a small share.

Gombe
- Billiri(Homeland)
- Dukku(Homeland)
- Funakaye(Homeland)
- Kaltungo(Homeland)
- Nafada(Homeland)
- Shomgom(Homeland)
- Akko(Shared area)
- Balanga(Shared area)
- Gombe(Shared area)
- Kwami(Shared area)
- Yamaltu/Deba(Shared area)
Adamawa
- Fufore(Homeland)
- Girei(Homeland)
- Mayo-Belwa(Homeland)
- Ganye(Shared area)
- Jada(Shared area)
- Maiha(Shared area)
- Song(Shared area)
- Toungo(Shared area)
- Yola North(Shared area)
- Yola South(Shared area)
- Guyuk(Smaller presence)
- Shelleng(Smaller presence)
Bauchi
- Alkaleri(Shared area)
- Bauchi(Shared area)
- Dambam(Shared area)
- Darazo(Shared area)
- Dass(Shared area)
- Gamawa(Shared area)
- Ganjuwa(Shared area)
- Giade(Shared area)
- Itas/Gadau(Shared area)
- Jama'Are(Shared area)
- Katagum(Shared area)
- Kirfi(Shared area)
- Misau(Shared area)
- Ningi(Shared area)
- Shira(Shared area)
- Toro(Shared area)
- Zaki(Shared area)
- Tafawa-Balewa(Smaller presence)
Kwara
- Baruten(Shared area)
- Kaiama(Shared area)
- Ilorin East(Smaller presence)
- Ilorin South(Smaller presence)
- Ilorin West(Smaller presence)
Yobe
- Fune(Shared area)
- Tarmuwa(Shared area)
- Bade(Smaller presence)
- Bursari(Smaller presence)
- Damaturu(Smaller presence)
- Fika(Smaller presence)
- Geidam(Smaller presence)
- Gujba(Smaller presence)
- Gulani(Smaller presence)
- Jakusko(Smaller presence)
- Karasuwa(Smaller presence)
- Machina(Smaller presence)
- Nangere(Smaller presence)
- Potiskum(Smaller presence)
- Yunusari(Smaller presence)
- Yusufari(Smaller presence)
Taraba
- Sardauna(Shared area)
- Donga(Smaller presence)
- Karim Lamido(Smaller presence)
- Kurmi(Smaller presence)
Borno
- Abadam(Smaller presence)
- Askira Uba(Smaller presence)
- Bama(Smaller presence)
- Bayo(Smaller presence)
- Biu(Smaller presence)
- Damboa(Smaller presence)
- Dikwa(Smaller presence)
- Gubio(Smaller presence)
- Gwoza(Smaller presence)
- Hawul(Smaller presence)
- Jere(Smaller presence)
- Konduga(Smaller presence)
- Kukawa(Smaller presence)
- Kwaya Kusar(Smaller presence)
- Maiduguri(Smaller presence)
- Marte(Smaller presence)
- Monguno(Smaller presence)
- Shani(Smaller presence)
Kano
- Ajingi(Smaller presence)
- Albasu(Smaller presence)
- Bagwai(Smaller presence)
- Bebeji(Smaller presence)
- Bichi(Smaller presence)
- Bunkure(Smaller presence)
- Dala(Smaller presence)
- Dambatta(Smaller presence)
- Dawakin Kudu(Smaller presence)
- Dawakin Tofa(Smaller presence)
- Doguwa(Smaller presence)
- Fagge(Smaller presence)
- Gabasawa(Smaller presence)
- Garko(Smaller presence)
- Garun Malam(Smaller presence)
- Gaya(Smaller presence)
- Gezawa(Smaller presence)
- Gwale(Smaller presence)
- Gwarzo(Smaller presence)
- Kabo(Smaller presence)
- Kano Municipal(Smaller presence)
- Karaye(Smaller presence)
- Kibiya(Smaller presence)
- Kiru(Smaller presence)
- Kumbotso(Smaller presence)
- Kunchi(Smaller presence)
- Kura(Smaller presence)
- Madobi(Smaller presence)
- Makoda(Smaller presence)
- Minjibir(Smaller presence)
- Nassarawa(Smaller presence)
- Rano(Smaller presence)
- Rimin Gado(Smaller presence)
- Rogo(Smaller presence)
- Shanono(Smaller presence)
- Sumaila(Smaller presence)
- Takai(Smaller presence)
- Tarauni(Smaller presence)
- Tofa(Smaller presence)
- Tsanyawa(Smaller presence)
- Tudun Wada(Smaller presence)
- Ungogo(Smaller presence)
- Warawa(Smaller presence)
- Wudil(Smaller presence)
Kebbi
- Aleiro(Smaller presence)
- Arewa Dandi(Smaller presence)
- Argungu(Smaller presence)
- Augie(Smaller presence)
- Bagudu(Smaller presence)
- Birnin Kebbi(Smaller presence)
- Bunza(Smaller presence)
- Dandi(Smaller presence)
- Fakai(Smaller presence)
- Gwandu(Smaller presence)
- Jega(Smaller presence)
- Kalgo(Smaller presence)
- Koko-Besse(Smaller presence)
- Maiyama(Smaller presence)
- Ngaski(Smaller presence)
- Sakaba(Smaller presence)
- Shanga(Smaller presence)
- Suru(Smaller presence)
- Wasagu-Danko(Smaller presence)
- Yauri(Smaller presence)
- Zuru(Smaller presence)
Zamfara
- Anka(Smaller presence)
- Bakura(Smaller presence)
- Birnin Magaji-Kiyaw(Smaller presence)
- Bukkuyum(Smaller presence)
- Bungudu(Smaller presence)
- Gummi(Smaller presence)
- Gusau(Smaller presence)
- Kaura Namoda(Smaller presence)
- Maradun(Smaller presence)
- Maru(Smaller presence)
- Shinkafi(Smaller presence)
- Talata Mafara(Smaller presence)
- Tsafe(Smaller presence)
- Zurmi(Smaller presence)
Jigawa
- Auyo(Smaller presence)
- Babura(Smaller presence)
- Biriniwa(Smaller presence)
- Birnin Kudu(Smaller presence)
- Buji(Smaller presence)
- Dutse(Smaller presence)
- Gagarawa(Smaller presence)
- Garki(Smaller presence)
- Gumel(Smaller presence)
- Guri(Smaller presence)
- Gwaram(Smaller presence)
- Gwiwa(Smaller presence)
- Hadejia(Smaller presence)
- Jahun(Smaller presence)
- Kafin Hausa(Smaller presence)
- Kaugama(Smaller presence)
- Kazaure(Smaller presence)
- Kiri Kasama(Smaller presence)
- Kiyawa(Smaller presence)
- Maigatari(Smaller presence)
- Malam Madori(Smaller presence)
- Miga(Smaller presence)
- Ringim(Smaller presence)
- Roni(Smaller presence)
- Sule Tankarkar(Smaller presence)
- Taura(Smaller presence)
- Yankwashi(Smaller presence)
Katsina
- Bakori(Smaller presence)
- Batagarawa(Smaller presence)
- Batsari(Smaller presence)
- Baure(Smaller presence)
- Bindawa(Smaller presence)
- Charanchi(Smaller presence)
- Dan Musa(Smaller presence)
- Dandume(Smaller presence)
- Danja(Smaller presence)
- Daura(Smaller presence)
- Dutsi(Smaller presence)
- Dutsin Ma(Smaller presence)
- Faskari(Smaller presence)
- Funtua(Smaller presence)
- Ingawa(Smaller presence)
- Jibia(Smaller presence)
- Kafur(Smaller presence)
- Kaita(Smaller presence)
- Kankara(Smaller presence)
- Kankia(Smaller presence)
- Katsina(Smaller presence)
- Kurfi(Smaller presence)
- Kusada(Smaller presence)
- Mai'Adua(Smaller presence)
- Malumfashi(Smaller presence)
- Mani(Smaller presence)
- Mashi(Smaller presence)
- Matazu(Smaller presence)
- Musawa(Smaller presence)
- Rimi(Smaller presence)
- Sabuwa(Smaller presence)
- Safana(Smaller presence)
- Sandamu(Smaller presence)
- Zango(Smaller presence)
Sokoto
- Binji(Smaller presence)
- Bodinga(Smaller presence)
- Dange Shuni(Smaller presence)
- Gada(Smaller presence)
- Goronyo(Smaller presence)
- Gudu(Smaller presence)
- Gwadabawa(Smaller presence)
- Illela(Smaller presence)
- Isa(Smaller presence)
- Kebbe(Smaller presence)
- Kware(Smaller presence)
- Rabah(Smaller presence)
- Sabon Birni(Smaller presence)
- Shagari(Smaller presence)
- Silame(Smaller presence)
- Sokoto North(Smaller presence)
- Sokoto South(Smaller presence)
- Tambuwal(Smaller presence)
- Tangaza(Smaller presence)
- Tureta(Smaller presence)
- Wamakko(Smaller presence)
- Wurno(Smaller presence)
- Yabo(Smaller presence)
Kaduna
- Birnin Gwari(Smaller presence)
- Chikun(Smaller presence)
- Giwa(Smaller presence)
- Igabi(Smaller presence)
- Ikara(Smaller presence)
- Jaba(Smaller presence)
- Jema'A(Smaller presence)
- Kachia(Smaller presence)
- Kaduna North(Smaller presence)
- Kaduna South(Smaller presence)
- Kagarko(Smaller presence)
- Kajuru(Smaller presence)
- Kaura(Smaller presence)
- Kauru(Smaller presence)
- Kubau(Smaller presence)
- Kudan(Smaller presence)
- Lere(Smaller presence)
- Makarfi(Smaller presence)
- Sabon Gari(Smaller presence)
- Sanga(Smaller presence)
- Soba(Smaller presence)
- Zangon Kataf(Smaller presence)
- Zaria(Smaller presence)
Niger
- Borgu(Smaller presence)
Nasarawa
- Keffi(Smaller presence)
- Kokona(Smaller presence)
- Lafia(Smaller presence)
- Nasarawa(Smaller presence)
- Toto(Smaller presence)
Plateau
- Wase(Smaller presence)

Areas are approximate and show where people live. They are not claims of land ownership.

Communities beyond the homeland

Sokoto

Sokoto North, Sokoto State; Sokoto South, Sokoto State.^[25]High confidence

Seat of the Sokoto Caliphate. The Sultan who heads it is the spiritual leader of Nigeria's Muslims.^[25]

Wurno

Wurno, Sokoto State.^[26]High confidence

Founded in 1830 by Caliph Muhammad Bello as a ribat guarding Sokoto from the north-east, the base for dry-season campaigns against Gobir. Bello is buried here.^[26]

Gwandu

Gwandu, Kebbi State.^[27]High confidence

Once royal farmland (gandu) of Kanta of Kebbi; its pastures drew Fulani herders. After the Kebbi campaign it became Usman dan Fodio's base, walled by Bello in 1806, and then co-capital of the caliphate for the west.^[27]

Yola

Yola South, Adamawa State; Yola North, Adamawa State.^[28]High confidence

Founded in 1841 as capital of the Adamawa Emirate, seat of the Lamido, until the British took it in 1901.^[28]

Gombe

Gombe, Gombe State.^[29],[30]High confidence

Wuro Gombe; Fulfulde and Hausa are its main languages.^[29]

Azare (Katagum)

Katagum, Bauchi State.^[31]High confidence

Founded by Mallam Zaki, appointed by Usman dan Fodio; headquarters of Katagum.^[31]

Misau

Misau, Bauchi State.^[32]High confidence

Its people are mostly Fulani and Kanuri.^[32]

Jama'are

Jama'Are, Bauchi State: Dogon Jeji, Hanafari, Galdimari, Jurara.^[33]High confidence

Founded in 1811 by Muhammadu Wabi I, a jihad leader, by Fulani who came from Dulare in the Lake Chad basin; recognised as an emirate in 1835 for helping Sokoto against the Hausa rebels of Katsina.^[33]

Jalingo (Muri)

Jalingo, Taraba State.^[34]High confidence

“Superior place” in Fulfulde, founded in the jihad era and seat of the Muri Emirate; about 60% Fulani, with Mumuye, Kuteb, Kona, Wurkun, Hausa, Jukun and Jenjo.^[34]

Kontagora

Kontagora, Niger State.^[35]High confidence

Founded in 1864 by Umaru Nagwamatse on land taken from the Kambari. Under his son Ibrahim, from 1880, its slave raids emptied the country; the British took the town in 1901.^[35]

Ilorin (Fulani emirs)

Ilorin West, Kwara State; Ilorin East, Kwara State; Ilorin South, Kwara State.^[36]High confidence

Shehu Alimi, a Fulani scholar, came to Ilorin with Yoruba Muslims and helped Afonja rebel against Oyo in 1817; his descendants took the town and are its emirs, under Gwandu.^[36]

Language

Fulfulde, a language of the Atlantic (Fula) family (Atlantic-Congo › North-Central Atlantic › Fula). ISO 639-3: fuv.^[1]High confidence

In history

Sokoto CaliphateSokoto Caliphate at its height, 1850

Sources

Every claim carries a confidence level: high (well attested), medium (one source or approximate) or disputed (sources disagree).

At a glance

Overview

Where the Fulani live

Gombe

Adamawa

Bauchi

Kwara

Yobe

Taraba

Borno

Kano

Kebbi

Zamfara

Jigawa

Katsina

Sokoto

Kaduna

Niger

Nasarawa

Plateau

Communities beyond the homeland

Sokoto

Wurno

Gwandu

Yola

Gombe

Azare (Katagum)

Misau

Jama'are

Jalingo (Muri)

Kontagora

Ilorin (Fulani emirs)

Language

In history

Sources