CRIMEOPINION

Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria

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By Mogaji Wole Arisekola.

After 19 months of intensive and painstaking investigation by my team and our partners from the Western world, we discovered that the Nigerian terrorist and banditry war is, at its core, a tribal conflict between Fulani marauders and Hausa indigenous farmers in the northern part of Nigeria.

Our findings indicate that the banditry crisis is fully supported by local Fulani communities who believe that their foreign Fulani counterparts are arriving to assist them, not only in terms of protection but also in acquiring more land for settlement. Many local Fulani perceive the presence of these foreign fighters as a form of reinforcement, ensuring their continued dominance over farmlands and grazing areas.

Additionally, some Fulani elites, particularly those in security uniforms and high-ranking government positions, share the same sentiment as the local Fulani. They believe that these bandits are avenging injustices allegedly done to their ethnic group. This perception fuels a dangerous cycle of violence and impunity, making it difficult to combat the crisis effectively.

A significant number of these fighters originate from Sahel countries, where similar ethnic conflicts are prevalent. The Fulani bandits acquire their weapons primarily from Libya, a country that has remained a major hub for arms smuggling since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. These arms reach Nigeria through illegal trafficking networks, often with the help of sympathizers within the military and law enforcement agencies.

Our investigation also revealed that some unpatriotic soldiers and police officers have been complicit in fueling this crisis. These corrupt officers steal rifles and other sophisticated weapons procured by the Nigerian military for national security and sell them to these terrorists. This betrayal from within the security apparatus makes it exceedingly difficult—if not nearly impossible—to eradicate banditry and terrorism in Nigeria. The deep-seated network of sympathizers within government institutions ensures that the criminals continue to operate with relative impunity.

Furthermore, we uncovered that the funding for these bandits comes primarily from ransoms collected from kidnapped victims and, in some cases, payments made by the Nigerian government itself. This vicious cycle of abductions and ransom payments has become a lucrative business model for the terrorists, sustaining their operations and expanding their influence.

Historical analysis suggests that the rise of banditry in Nigeria can be traced back to the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who is himself a Fulani. During his administration, the influx of foreign Fulani marauders into Nigeria increased significantly. These foreign fighters feel emboldened and more secure when they have one of their own as the leader of a country. This pattern is not unique to Nigeria; nearly all Sahel countries with Fulani presidents are currently grappling with similar security challenges. The parallel between Nigeria and its neighboring Sahelian nations suggests a broader regional crisis with ethnic and geopolitical dimensions.

Moreover, we observed that the Nigerian government has struggled to formulate an effective response to the growing threat. Several military operations launched to combat banditry have yielded limited success due to internal sabotage, corruption, and poor intelligence gathering. In some cases, security forces have been accused of colluding with the very criminals they are supposed to fight, further undermining public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.

It is also important to note that the conflict has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Thousands of farmers have been displaced from their ancestral lands, leading to food insecurity and economic instability in affected regions. Many villages have been wiped out, leaving behind a trail of devastation and despair. Women and children are the most affected, with many of them falling victim to kidnappings, sexual violence, and forced recruitment into militant groups.

The role of religious extremism in this crisis cannot be ignored either. Some of the bandits, while primarily driven by economic and ethnic motivations, have also embraced radical ideologies. They justify their actions through distorted interpretations of religion, further complicating efforts to negotiate peace.

International observers have expressed concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation, warning that if left unchecked, the crisis could spill over into neighboring countries, exacerbating regional instability. Already, nations like Niger, Chad, and Mali are experiencing similar conflicts, fueled by a combination of ethnic grievances, arms proliferation, and weak governance.

Several solutions have been proposed to address the problem, but implementation remains a challenge. Some analysts suggest the establishment of stronger border controls to curb the influx of foreign fighters and weapons. Others advocate for community-based security initiatives that empower local populations to defend themselves against bandits. However, without decisive action from the Nigerian government, these efforts may only yield temporary relief.

Additionally, addressing the root causes of the conflict—such as land disputes, economic marginalization, and political exclusion—is crucial. Sustainable development programs, improved access to education, and economic opportunities for youths in northern Nigeria could serve as long-term deterrents to recruitment into banditry.

The international community must also play a role by pressuring the Nigerian government to tackle corruption within its security forces and implement effective counterterrorism strategies. Western nations, which have the technological and intelligence capabilities to track these criminal networks, should collaborate with Nigeria in dismantling arms-smuggling routes and identifying key financiers of terrorism.

In conclusion, Nigeria’s banditry crisis is a complex and deeply rooted issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. Without addressing the enablers and sympathizers within the system, the war against terrorism and banditry will remain an uphill battle. The Nigerian people deserve security, stability, and a future free from the fear of violence. The time for decisive action is now.

Wole Arisekola wrote from Ibadan.

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