Bandits Are Taking Over Nigeria Gradually, But the Government are busy campaign for 2027

The disturbing report that communities in northern Nigeria are now negotiating directly with jihadist groups exposes a deep failure of governance and a dangerous erosion of state authority. For years, the Nigerian government has promised to tackle insecurity in the North—particularly terrorism and banditry—but this latest development proves that these promises have largely remained unfulfilled.

Instead of receiving protection and justice from the state, citizens are being forced into dangerous compromises, making pacts with violent non-state actors in a desperate bid for survival. This form of “self-managed peace” might provide short-term relief, but it comes at a steep long-term cost.

⚠️ Dangers of Government Negligence:

1. Legitimization of Terror Groups:
   When communities negotiate with jihadists, these groups gain a dangerous form of legitimacy and power. They begin to act as parallel authorities—collecting taxes, enforcing laws, and dictating terms—undermining the very concept of the nation-state.

2. Collapse of Trust in the State:
   When citizens no longer rely on the government for protection, a key pillar of national unity crumbles. This creates room for further fragmentation, rebellion, or secessionist ideologies.

3. Risk of Extortion and Enslavement:
   These agreements often mean communities must pay “peace levies” or submit to rules dictated by jihadists. This isn't peace—it's oppression disguised as compromise.

4. Long-Term Instability:
   These kinds of arrangements are inherently unstable. A temporary ceasefire can break anytime the jihadists demand more or are challenged by rival groups or government troops.

5. Encouragement of Other Violent Groups:
   Seeing the success of jihadist negotiations, other armed groups—militants, ethnic militias, or criminal gangs—may seek to replicate this model, leading to a widespread collapse of law and order.

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🛑 A Call for Urgent Government Action:

The Nigerian government must not ignore this warning sign. It is a red flag that governance in some regions is becoming irrelevant to the people. If Abuja fails to reassert its presence—through justice, protection, dialogue, and real development—then the nation risks sliding into a deeper and more permanent state of insecurity.

Government negligence in matters of security is not just a policy failure—it is a betrayal of the social contract.

“A state that cannot protect its people has lost the moral right to govern them.”

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🗣️ Final Thought:

Instead of pushing communities to make peace with their oppressors, the Nigerian government must step up to break the cycle of violence, dismantle terror networks, and restore real governance and hope to the region.

🟢 You can hear more from peacebuilding analyst Dengiyefa Angalapu and DW's Abiodun Jamiu on this issue by checking out the #DWAfricaLinkPodcast.

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