Military forces in Nigeria eliminated over 100 alleged criminals during an operation in the northwest region
Organized Crime in Northwest and Central Nigeria: A Growing Threat
In recent years, organized crime in Nigeria, particularly in the northwest and increasingly in central regions, has evolved from localized resource conflicts into complex criminal enterprises. Known locally as 'bandits', these groups are now involved in village raids, kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, looting, and taxation of farmers and miners.
The origins of this banditry can be traced back to conflicts over land and water rights between herders and farmers. However, economic motivations such as ransom from kidnappings, cattle rustling, and illegal taxation have played a significant role in its transformation into a highly organized criminal network.
The bandits have terrorized rural communities, often with little government presence, since around 2015. Despite ongoing military offensives and the creation of a militia force by the Zamfara state government, the violence has persisted. In fact, it has spread beyond the northwest into central Nigeria.
One of the most devastating impacts of this organized crime is on the malnutrition crisis in the northwest region. The violence and insecurity have severely impacted agricultural activities, driving farmers away from their fields due to fear of raids and kidnappings. This disruption of farming directly contributes to food shortages and a worsening malnutrition crisis in the region.
The chronic insecurity also hampers humanitarian aid delivery and agricultural development efforts, aggravating food insecurity at a time when climate change is increasing vulnerability to hunger.
Recent military operations in states such as Zamfara and Niger have resulted in the killing of over 100 bandits in raids. However, the violence and organized crime persist. The situation in the northwest has been complicated by climate change and cuts in Western aid that previously supported local communities and military efforts.
The bandits have also been observed to cooperate with jihadist insurgents in northeastern Nigeria, intensifying violence in the region. In July, Nigerian troops killed at least 95 members of an armed gang in a shootout and air strikes in the northwest state of Niger. The raid targeted a gathering of over 400 gang members in their Makakkari forest camp.
In summary, the organized crime by bandits in northwest and central Nigeria has evolved from localized resource conflicts into complex criminal enterprises deeply entangled with insurgency groups. Their attacks disrupt farming and livelihoods, worsening the ongoing malnutrition crisis in the region by limiting food production and access to aid. The Nigerian government and international community must address this growing threat to ensure the safety and security of rural communities and to alleviate the malnutrition crisis in the northwest region.
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