Triad of violence: evolution and dynamics of conflict, terrorism, banditry and armed groups in northwest Nigeria

ABSTRACT

This study is hinged on the theoretical framework of co-existence, convergence, cooperation and competition. It discusses the nature of interaction among armed groups, and their violent activities in northwest Nigeria. The determinants of the connections include geography, recruitment strategy, opportunities for mutual exchange of logistics and co-creation of violence. Bandits are outbidding ethno-religious militias, Ansaru, ISWAP, Boko Haram and herdsmen, and have committed 84% of recorded violence in the region from 2010 to 2022. This study highlights the implications of increasing footprints of armed groups and provides the imperatives for state response to protracted violence in northwest Nigeria. It concludes that the socio-economic problems that allow proliferation of armed groups and violent activities to fester must be addressed by the state. Even if ramped-up security responses turn northwest Nigeria into a police state, violence will continue until poverty, social inequality, injustice and gross failure of governance are tackled.

KEYWORDS:

• Violence
• conflict
• terrorism
• banditry
• Nigeria

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Interview with a Muslim cleric in Farfaru, Jibia Local Government Area, Katsina State on February 14, 2023.

2. Interview with a Vigilante member in Yan Nasarawa, Faskari Local Government Area, Katsina state on February 13, 2023.

3. Interview with a farmer in Deri community of, Bangi Local Government Area, Niger State on February 8, 2023.

4. Interview with a farmer in Deri community of, Bangi Local Government Area, Niger State on February 8, 2023.

5. Interview with a Fulani leader of Dakwaro Community, Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State on February 10, 2023.

6. Interview a Cattle breeder/Pastoralist in Mariga town, Bangi Local Government Area, Niger state on February 8, 2023.

7. Interview with a battlefield Bandit in Kagara Town, Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State on February 9, 2023.

8. Interview with a Member of Vigilante Group in Tagina, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State on February 9, 2023.

9. Interview with member of Marke Vigilante Group in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.

10. Interview with a civil society actor in Gusau on 10 August 2022.

11. Interview with a Cattle breeder/Pastoralist in Mariga town, Bangi Local Government Area, Niger state on February 8, 2023.

12. Interview with a farmer in Mashigi, community, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Kaduna State on February 10, 2023.

13. Interview in with a Fulani Cattle breeder/Pastoralist in Rini, a town in Bakura LGA in Zamfara state on February 16, 2023.

14. Interview with a Leader of Vigilante Group in Sabon Gida town of Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna state on February 10, 2023.

15. Interview with a Fulani Leader of Dakwaro Community, Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, Kaduna State on February 10, 2023.