By: Lawal Halimat

Insecurity has become a persistent challenge in West Africa, with Nigeria being one of the countries most severely affected in the past six years. The country has experienced an increase in violent conflicts, terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings, making insecurity one of the most pressing issues affecting the lives of millions of Nigerians. This article examines the various forms of insecurity that have plagued Nigeria over the last six years, delving into their causes, impacts, and the responses of both state and non-state actors.

Rising Terrorism and Insurgency

The Boko Haram insurgency remains one of Nigeria's most severe security challenges. Founded in 2002, Boko Haram's violent activities escalated around 2009, reaching a peak between 2014 and 2015. However, in the last six years, the group has remained a potent threat, especially in the northeastern part of the country. Boko Haram's split into two factions—one led by Abubakar Shekau and the other by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)—has further complicated the security situation. Both groups continue to carry out brutal attacks on civilians, military personnel, and international aid workers.

In 2020, Boko Haram and ISWAP intensified their attacks on military bases in Borno and Yobe states, leading to numerous casualties among Nigerian troops. The conflict has displaced over 2 million people in Nigeria, creating a dire humanitarian crisis. Despite government claims of victories against these insurgents, they have adapted their strategies, resorting to guerrilla warfare, suicide bombings, and abductions, such as the infamous kidnapping of 110 schoolgirls in Dapchi, Yobe State, in 2018.

The Surge in Banditry

While Boko Haram remains concentrated in the northeast, banditry has emerged as a significant security concern in the northwest and north-central regions of Nigeria. This phenomenon has intensified over the past six years, particularly in states like Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger. Bandit groups, often comprised of disgruntled youths and former cattle rustlers, have attacked villages, kidnapped schoolchildren, and demanded ransom from families and communities.

One of the most notable instances was the abduction of over 300 schoolboys from the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State, in December 2020. The bandits released the boys after negotiations, but the incident underscored the brazen nature of these criminals. In 2021, the Nigerian government declared bandits as terrorists, allowing the military to intensify air and ground operations against them. However, the challenge persists, fueled by poverty, unemployment, and the proliferation of small arms in the region.

Kidnappings for Ransom: A Lucrative Business

Kidnapping for ransom has also become a booming criminal enterprise in Nigeria over the past six years. The country's security agencies have struggled to combat this form of insecurity, which spans many states, including Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, and even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In some cases, kidnappers operate in broad daylight, abducting passengers from highways and demanding exorbitant sums of money for their release.

In March 2021, nearly 40 students were abducted from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization in Kaduna State. Just two months later, gunmen kidnapped over 150 students from an Islamic school in Niger State. These incidents illustrate the rising trend of mass abductions for ransom, a tactic that has deeply affected education in the country, as parents fear sending their children to school.

Farmer-Herder Conflicts

The clashes between herders and farmers over land resources have also fueled insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the central and southern parts of the country. Climate change, desertification, and population growth have intensified competition over arable land, leading to violent clashes between herdsmen and farming communities. States like Benue, Plateau, and Taraba have witnessed some of the deadliest clashes in recent years, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of many more.

In 2018, over 200 people were killed in violent clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Plateau State, one of the bloodiest conflicts in the state’s history. The Nigerian government has attempted to address the problem through various policies, such as establishing grazing reserves and implementing anti-grazing laws, but these measures have not yielded significant results due to resistance from various quarters and poor enforcement.

Piracy and Maritime Insecurity

Nigeria's insecurity challenges are not limited to land. The country’s maritime domain, particularly the Gulf of Guinea, has become the world’s piracy hotspot in recent years. Armed groups and pirates have targeted commercial vessels, oil tankers, and fishing boats, disrupting trade and posing significant risks to the region's economy. In 2020 alone, the Gulf of Guinea accounted for over 90% of global kidnappings at sea, with Nigerian waters being a primary target.

The Nigerian Navy has responded by deploying more patrols and launching operations to curb piracy. Still, limited resources and inadequate equipment have hampered their efforts, and the problem persists, threatening international shipping routes and regional security.

Efforts to Address the Crisis

The Nigerian government has taken various steps to combat insecurity, including increasing defense spending, establishing new military bases, and initiating community policing programs. President Muhammadu Buhari's administration has also sought international assistance, forming alliances with neighboring countries like Chad, Niger, and Cameroon to tackle Boko Haram and other insurgent groups. However, corruption, poor governance, and a lack of political will have undermined these efforts, leading to limited success.

Additionally, civil society organizations, local communities, and international partners have contributed to mitigating the impacts of insecurity through peacebuilding efforts, advocacy for human rights, and humanitarian assistance to affected populations. Nonetheless, the scale and complexity of the insecurity in Nigeria require a more holistic and sustained approach that addresses the root causes, such as poverty, youth unemployment, and marginalization.

Insecurity in Nigeria has taken on multifaceted dimensions over the past six years, with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and farmer-herder conflicts posing serious threats to peace and stability. While the government has made some efforts to address these challenges, a more comprehensive strategy is necessary to tackle the underlying issues driving insecurity. Without such an approach, the prospect of lasting peace remains elusive, not only for Nigeria but for the entire West African region.