Banditry in Northern Nigeria a growing menace

*With over 1 million displaced persons and 13,485 deaths in rural Nigeria since 2010, the banditry crisis involves estimated 30,000 bandits organised into groups of fighters, perpetrating kidnapping, mass killings, sexual violence, cattle theft, and illegal arms possession, posing severe threats to regional stability across from Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina to Kebbi and Niger states

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The recent killing of Alhaji Isa Bawa, the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State, highlights the escalating crisis of banditry that has gripped Nigeria’s Northwestern region.

Alhaji Bawa, 73, and his son were abducted in July while travelling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni, near the Niger border.

Despite ongoing negotiations, delays in paying the ransom led to his tragic death Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

This incident points up the broader crisis of banditry that has plagued the region for several years, evolving from sporadic kidnappings to a well-organised criminal enterprise with devastating effects.

Origins of banditry

The roots of banditry in the Northwest trace back to the early 2000s in Zamfara State. Initially, armed groups targeted rural communities for ransom, but as their operations grew more lucrative, they expanded to include cattle rustling and extortion.

Contributing factors to this included Nigeria’s porous borders, ineffective local governance, political instability, high unemployment rates, and widespread poverty, all of which created a fertile environment for these criminal networks.

A growing threat

Today, the banditry crisis involves estimated 30,000 bandits organised into groups ranging from small units of 10 to large forces exceeding 1,000 fighters.

Their activities include kidnapping, mass killings, sexual violence, cattle theft, and illegal arms possession, posing severe threats to regional stability.

The crisis has spread beyond Zamfara to Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Niger States.

A notable example was the December 2020 kidnapping of hundreds of schoolchildren from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, in Katsina State, which showcased the increasing sophistication and brutality of these groups.

The 2022 attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train further highlighted the severity of the situation.

Bandits kidnapped dozens of passengers and demanded substantial ransoms, illustrating how banditry has transformed from local crime into a major national security threat.

Collusion and enforcement challenges

The rise in banditry has been exacerbated by the involvement of local informers and, in some cases, the complicity of local chiefs.

These individuals have provided crucial information to bandits, complicating enforcement efforts.

The arrest of several informers has exposed deep-rooted issues within the system.

In response, the Nigerian Government has increased security personnel in affected areas, established military outposts, and introduced new surveillance technologies. Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned, with critics arguing that they are often poorly coordinated and insufficient.

Government efforts and community contributions

Efforts to combat banditry have included deploying security forces, establishing community policing initiatives, and negotiating with bandits.

However, the vastness of the affected regions and the complex nature of the crisis have made these efforts only partially effective.

The Emir’s legacy and community reaction

The late Emir of Sabon Birnin was a respected leader known for his dedication to community development and peacebuilding.

His efforts at improving education, healthcare, and security were widely acknowledged. His assassination has left a significant void, with local residents expressing deep grief and anger.

The Emir’s death is not only a loss for his immediate community but also for the broader region, which relied on his leadership amid growing instability.

Addressing the crisis

To effectively combat banditry and kidnapping, a comprehensive approach is needed:

Enhanced Intelligence and Coordination: Strengthening intelligence-sharing between federal, state, and local security agencies can help preempt and disrupt bandit operations.

Community Engagement: Empowering local communities to actively participate in security matters is crucial.

This includes fostering cooperation between citizens and law enforcement, and engaging local leaders in the fight against banditry.

Economic Development: Addressing underlying issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and a lack of education can reduce the appeal of criminal activities. Investments in these areas are essential.

Legal and Judicial Reforms: Strengthening the legal system to ensure swift and effective prosecution of bandits, along with tackling corruption within local authorities, is vital for deterring criminal activities.

National and International Support: Collaboration with international partners for technical assistance and funding can enhance the capabilities of Nigerian security forces and support broader anti-banditry initiatives. (Piece extracted FRCN HQ on Web).

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