From Protectors to Predators: The Dark Side of Vigilantism in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the battle against crime and insecurity has become multifaceted, revealing a complex web of challenges gripping the nation. With formal security structures encountering obstacles, communities are increasingly turning to vigilante groups for assistance. These groups range from small organisations of volunteers in rural and urban areas to big institutions established by the state governments. Some have mandates to protect certain parts of the country or ethnic/religious groups. Vigilante groups are stepping into security vacuums across many parts of Nigeria. However, poor training, oversight and supervision, human rights violations and institutional capture by political and elite classes remain major threats to vigilantism in the country. A disturbing trend has emerged: these vigilantes are undergoing a troubling transformation into cult-like gangs, exacerbating existing dangers rather than mitigating them. In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a concerning pattern whereby vigilante groups, established initially to combat crime and maintain community safety, have morphed into cult-like factions.

This edition of the Nextier SPD Policy Weekly examines the factors propelling this transition, assesses its consequences, and suggests measures to combat this escalating threat.

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