Protecting the Vulnerable

Banditry in the northwest and north-central Nigeria affects millions of people and their livelihoods. Violent attacks in the regions are lingering, pushing the Nigerian government to classify bandits as terrorists. In 2021, data from the Nextier Violent Conflict Database rated banditry as Nigeria\’s most severe security issue, with about 444 incidents and 2,376 deaths. In addition, at least 2,355 kidnap victims, and 180 injured persons were recorded within the review period. The violent conflict situation seems unending despite security interventions. Moreover, some reports claim bandits impose levies on communities within the affected regions.

The wave of attacks is accompanied by an uncertain security climate, forced displacements and a developing humanitarian crisis. Bandits\’ manner of attacks leaves farmlands, a predominant source of livelihood, ruined. Petty businesses also suffer from the prevalence of attacks. The terror trend significantly impacts agricultural production and other socio-economic activities. The recurrent episodes pose challenges to affected populations\’ survival. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) says about 14.4 million Nigerians face a food crisis. FAO also added that at least 19.4 million Nigerians might face acute food and nutrition challenges between June and August 2022. The ongoing banditry and its impact on livelihoods will deepen food insecurity.

Social protection in banditry-impacted areas becomes necessary as insecurity and humanitarian needs plumb new depths. The World Bank considers social protection systems essential for helping poor and vulnerable populations cope with crises and shocks. Due to the recent rise of banditry, now terrorism, in the regions, existing social protection programmes may not be adequate and timely in responding to the increase in vulnerability issues. Therefore, the rise in banditry and humanitarian needs requires immediate development interventions from government and development agencies. The current realities in the regions will deepen as banditry continues. Therefore, social protection should be increased in the affected areas to save the human population in bandits\’ hotbeds from lifelong vulnerabilities.

To achieve the desired result, development actors must initiate some actions. First, there is a need to assess the humanitarian crisis in the affected areas periodically. A needs assessment will provide the government and development agencies with the regions\’ development needs. It will also help to understand communities\’ efforts to survive the realities of the violent conflict. Second, local engagement in the areas will serve as an entry and collaboration strategy to help generate local buy-in and ownership of intervention programmes. Third, it will also propagate the government\’s commitment to addressing the significant challenges that burden banditry-affected communities.

Non-combat initiatives such as social intervention programmes will help build local trust. It will also help communities affected by the terror boost human capital through improved productivity and resilience to crisis. These engagements will help win the hearts and minds of the local population that the government is committed to improving their lives and livelihoods. Therefore, they will be likely to work with the government in stabilising communities and ensuring durable peace. However, the absence or inadequacy of the government\’s response to violent conflicts in the regions may complicate the hopes of stability. Given that the government\’s presence is lacking, communities may engage in negative coping mechanisms such as establishing militias outside formal security regulations. Finally, since the new style of banditry in Nigeria is relatively new, social protection programmes should hit the ground running to timely address vulnerabilities and worsening humanitarian conditions in the regions.