Billion Dollar Blood Money: Stakeholders unite to crush banditry in N/West

A Crisis Born of Insecurity and Poverty

In Northern Nigeria, particularly in the states of Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Jigawa, and parts of Niger, banditry has emerged as a severe security threat. This crisis stems from the aftermath of the Boko Haram insurgency, which has left the region in socio-economic turmoil.

The vacuum created by the insurgency allowed bandit groups to proliferate, exploiting the instability for their gain. The underlying economic drivers, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of government presence, have further created a fertile ground for criminal activity to flourish.

A Lucrative Criminal Enterprise

Recent videos on social media showcase how these bandits have turned their operations into a lucrative business, involving arms trading, food supplies, and ransom collections. This network has enabled banditry to spread its roots across the Northwest region, yielding substantial profits for those involved.

Banditry in Northern Nigeria has evolved into a lucrative criminal enterprise, generating staggering annual revenues. Estimates suggest that this illicit industry yields over N100 billion (approximately $250 million USD) annually from ransom payments alone.

However, some reports indicate that the total value of banditry-related activities, including cattle rustling, illegal mining, and smuggling, falls between N200 billion and N500 billion (approximately $500 million to $1.25 billion USD) annually.

More alarming estimates even suggest that the full scope of banditry-related criminal enterprises could reach as high as N1 trillion.

According to a report by SB Morgan Intelligence, the financial worth of banditry in Northern Nigeria is substantial. In the North-west states, bandits extorted approximately N224.92 million from farmers between November 2020 and November 2023.

In Kaduna, farmers have been coerced into paying between N70,000 and N100,000 for the privilege of farming. Similarly, rice farmers in Zamfara have been forced to pay around N120,000 in farm levies to bandits, while guinea corn farmers have had to pay N50,000.

These figures underscore the immense financial scale of this criminal activity and illustrate the significant financial toll of banditry on the region’s agricultural sector, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to disrupt and dismantle the economic engine driving banditry in the region.

Government’s Commitment to Action

In response to this escalating threat, the government has acknowledged the need for decisive action. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unequivocally declared his administration’s commitment to eradicating banditry, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity. To achieve this objective, the government has implemented a multifaceted approach that combines kinetic and non-kinetic interventions.

The Pulaku resettlement initiative, aimed at addressing the root causes of disputes and insecurity in the Northwest, is a notable example of the government’s non-kinetic strategy. Additionally, efforts to enhance the capacity of national security forces, improve intelligence gathering networks, and promote community policing are underway.

Northwest Peace and Security Summit

Last Monday, the Northwest Peace and Security Summit was held in Katsina State, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima), Governor Umaru Radda, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru, and other officials in attendance. Germany’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther, who was represented at the event, congratulated the federal and state governments for organizing the Summit.

She assured the support of the German government for Nigeria in the fight against insecurity, emphasizing the need to reactivate traditional solutions to the conflict in the Northwest. The UNDP Country Representative to Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, called for investment in the youth to channel their potential towards profitable ventures, emphasizing the importance of regional cooperation.

The Summit was also attended by the immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari; Governors Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, as well as the Deputy Governors of Kaduna, Kebbi, and Kano States.

Federal lawmakers from the region, former Governors of Katsina State Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Shema, Minister of Arts and Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musawa, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar, Emir of Daura HRH Alhaji Umar Farouk Umar, Emir of Katsina HRH Abdulmumuni Kabir Usman, representatives of other security chiefs, and members of the Diplomatic Corps were also present.

The summit was convened to address the escalating security challenges in the Northwest region, particularly banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping.

President Tinubu declared that his administration will not rest until insecurity is eliminated, announcing kinetic and non-kinetic interventions, including the Pulaku resettlement initiative. He emphasized the need for regional cooperation and unity. “We promised to make Nigeria safer, and this aim has been our topmost priority since we came to office over a year ago. We must also reverse the institutional frailties governing security and the economic dysfunctions that create vulnerabilities to crime,” Tinubu said.

Governor Radda, Chairman of the Northwest Governors’ Forum, called for a multifaceted approach, including intelligence gathering and community policing. “To effectively combat banditry, we need to strengthen intelligence gathering networks. This means improving our surveillance system, investing in modern technology such as drones and satellite imagery, and enhancing coordination among our security agencies,” he said.

Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru stressed the need for synergy between security agencies and state governors. According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, under the current administration of President Tinubu, are committed to ending armed conflicts in Nigeria.

“The need for synergy between security agencies and state governors cannot be overemphasized, and we will continue to work together to achieve our common goal of securing our nation,” Badaru said.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara highlighted that women are key to mindset transformation, noting their involvement is vital for community-based solutions. “By empowering women, we are not only improving security but also building a more just and equitable society,” he said.

The summit also featured panel discussions on kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, with Minister Hannatu Musawa highlighting the role of cultural integration in promoting peace and security.
“Let us harness the potential of cultural and creative industries to create jobs and provide viable opportunities for our youth. By doing so, we can empower them to become agents of positive change and provide a sustainable alternative to the cycle of conflict,” Musawa added.

Other panelists included the Hon. Minister of Youth Jamila Bio, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Chris Ngwodu, Director General, Office of Strategic Preparedness and Resilience, and Hamza Idris, Editor of Nigeria’s Daily Trust Newspapers. They discussed the importance of non-kinetic solutions, job creation, and addressing the root causes of conflict.

Hamza Idris emphasized the need to compensate victims of cattle rustling and use kinetic strategies to decimate criminality. “The Northwest governors must look for that young man we all call a bandit, whose cattle and those of his parents and grandparents have been rustled. We must compensate and give them back their cattle and then convert all the so-called ungovernable spaces we have in the states to grazing areas,” Idris said.

The summit announced the formation of a committee to produce a report and action plan within two weeks to address security challenges. The committee will include members from each state and the UN system. The role of traditional institutions and local communities in combating banditry in Northern Nigeria was prominently discussed during the Northwest Peace and Security Summit.

Sultan Speaks

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, emphasized the indispensable involvement of traditional rulers and community members in the fight against insecurity. He noted that it will take Nigeria decades to end banditry in the north, stressing that the cooperation of local leaders and citizens is vital for any security measures to be effective. The Sultan underscored the historical and cultural significance of these institutions in maintaining order and resolving conflicts.

“What we must do is to challenge these bandits because we all know the consequences of banditry and insurgency on our lives. But it will take decades to get out of it if at all we get out of it. We all know the consequences and the problems,” he said.

Religious leaders and local youth were also highlighted as crucial agents in peacebuilding efforts. The Sultan, who doubles as the president-general of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), called on religious figures to leverage their influence to foster peace and encourage reconciliation among conflicting parties.

Meanwhile, the youth, who often bear the brunt of economic vulnerabilities and are susceptible to recruitment by bandits, were seen as essential partners in security initiatives. Programs aimed at engaging young people in productive ventures and providing them with opportunities were discussed as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the allure of banditry.

Persistent challenges such as inadequate intelligence gathering, poor surveillance, and deep-seated economic issues like cattle rustling were acknowledged as significant hurdles. Improved surveillance systems and better coordination among security agencies were deemed necessary to address these issues effectively.
The summit emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of banditry, including economic disparities. The integration of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, such as the Pulaku resettlement project, which aims to build infrastructure and provide essential services in affected areas, were seen as pivotal in addressing the socio-economic root causes of banditry.

Working Together for a Secure Future

The summit concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to persist in their collaborative efforts, ensuring that the region’s stability and prosperity are prioritized. The unified approach of governors, traditional leaders, and international partners sets a hopeful tone for the future.
Banditry in Northern Nigeria operates as an illicit enterprise, sustained by various actors and networks. Arms dealers play a critical role by supplying weapons to bandits, ensuring the continuation of their criminal activities. As the government and local communities intensify their efforts to combat this menace, the path to a secure and prosperous Northern Nigeria remains challenging but not insurmountable.

Call to Action

The summit concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to persist in their collaborative efforts, ensuring that the region’s stability and prosperity are prioritized. The unified approach of governors, traditional leaders, and international partners sets a hopeful tone for the future.

Banditry in Northern Nigeria operates as an illicit enterprise, sustained by various actors and networks. Arms dealers play a critical role by supplying weapons to bandits, ensuring their operational capabilities. Food suppliers provide logistical support, ensuring that bandit groups remain fed and mobile.

Informants within communities offer strategic intelligence, enabling bandits to evade security forces and identify potential targets for raids and kidnappings. This intricate web of illegal activities creates a persistent threat that requires comprehensive disruption strategies. The government’s resolve to employ more aggressive measures against banditry is evident in its current strategies.

However, the adoption of more brutal measures carries significant implications. While it may lead to the immediate suppression of bandit activities, it risks escalating violence and alienating local communities. The balance between kinetic force and community engagement is delicate and essential for sustainable peace. Harsh tactics without addressing underlying issues may lead to a cycle of violence and retaliation.

For a long-term resolution of the banditry crisis, it is crucial to address historical injustices, economic dysfunctions, and ideological manipulation. Historical grievances, often rooted in marginalization and deprivation, fuel resentment and conflict. Economic dysfunctions, including a lack of job opportunities and poor infrastructure, drive individuals towards criminal activities.

Ideological mischief, propagated by criminal leaders, distorts narratives and justifies violence. Tackling these root causes involves comprehensive development programs, fair restitution processes, and effective counter-narratives to disarm the ideological basis of banditry.

The summit’s outcomes reinforce the need for ongoing and enhanced efforts in regional cooperation, community involvement, and government commitment.

Achieving lasting peace and security in Northern Nigeria requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Communities must be empowered, traditional and religious leaders must be actively involved, and international partners must continue their support.

Together, these efforts can build a foundation for a secure and prosperous future, transforming the region’s challenges into opportunities for growth and unity. By maintaining this momentum and addressing both immediate security needs and long-term developmental goals, Northern Nigeria can overcome the scourge of banditry and build a resilient, peaceful, and thriving society.

Nigerians React

The Northwest Peace and Security Summit has drawn a mix of reactions from stakeholders, with some hailing it as a step in the right direction and others expressing skepticism about its impact. As the search for lasting solutions continues, stakeholders are speaking out about their expectations and concerns.

Northwest governors’ unity against insecurity, plausible – Rep Jaji

A Member of the House of Representatives, representing Kaura Namoda/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Aminu Sani Jaji, says the peace summit organized by the Governors of the North West region to address the insecurity bedeviling the zone is a good move in the right direction. He said, “As it stands today, the major stakeholders in the Northwest are the governors.

If they can come together to address this issue of insecurity squarely, it will put an end to the ongoing security challenges. The governors need to listen to many people and come up with ideas that will bring a lasting solution to the situation. You can use the kinetic approach to weaken the so-called criminals before going into the non-kinetic, which is the most important.”

Stakeholders told themselves honest truth about our problems – Buhari’s nephew

Tunde Yusuf, a nephew and personal secretary to former President Muhammadu Buhari, said: “The Northwest Peace and Security Summit has come to an end. We await the secretariat for the communique, resolutions, action points, and plans as well as takeaways.

But I personally take a moment to appreciate the Governors of Katsina and Zamfara States, Dr. Dikko Radda and Dr. Dauda Lawal, for their unwavering commitment and sincerity towards the success of this summit. I also appreciate all the governors and relevant stakeholders for making the platform lively and interactive.

We have never had a platform like this where stakeholders engage and tell themselves the honest truth about our problems. We will follow up closely for implementation and track the performance of agreed action plans. We hope to see more of this in the near future.”

Culture vs Strategy: Rufai Oseni calls for more truth, action against bandits

Rufai Oseni, public affairs analyst/commentator, stated, “Results will always be achieved if there is not a lot of complicity among the ranks of the Northern governors and leaders. “As I always say, culture will eat strategy for breakfast.

Where is the truth in all of this? Where is the truth against the perpetrators of these acts? Where is the truth regarding going after those funding these bandits and criminals? Just the other day, we witnessed the UAE authorizing Dubai to act against those funding terrorism and banditry in Nigeria. How did that turn out? Where is the truth about dismantling the ecosystem of these bandits and criminals? Terrorists are not invincible; they have associates, friends, and family. The day we are ready to confront the truth, all of this will come to an end.”

Northern security summits just ‘jamborees’ without action – Rt Hon. Danlami, Speaker of Arewa Youth Assembly

The Speaker of the Arewa Youth Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Salihu Danlami, said: “It’s like a jamboree. For the Northern elites, they organize and attend such security summits each year, and at the end of the day, nothing eventually happens until the next meeting. There was a time a few years ago when we tried to stop such meetings in Kaduna.

The then-governor, Nasir El-Rufai, ordered our arrest. We were held at the Commissioner of Police’s office for some time and later released unconditionally. We simply told them that they have been spending money and holding such security summits for many years without anything to show for it.

Insecurity has been worsening every day in our region. Former President Muhammadu Buhari was at the Northwest security summit, but don’t forget that there was a time, even as president, his motorcade, which was sent to Daura in advance of his arrival for Sallah, was attacked by bandits.

What did he do even as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces? There was also a time he visited Daura, his hometown, and in Kankara, a neighbouring community, hundreds of students were kidnapped from the school hostel while he was still in the village.

In fact, there are routes you dare not pass freely today in Katsina. From the feelers we are getting, some of these Northwest governors and leaders know these bandits and are in regular talks with them.”