Violence has recently been climbing, which makes the fear of insecurity in northern Nigeria even more prominent to the broader region and is exemplified by the collapse of an armed group (militant) and a rival militant group. Reports specifically address how the local community was impacted by this violent confrontation.
The crisis in northern Nigeria has also expanded to affect neighbouring countries as their regional security issues extend beyond Nigeria. Various communities across the region are experiencing these same challenges, including having to flee their homes (refugees) after repeatedly being attacked by armed groups.
Governments of the region continue to struggle with the protection of trade routes and agricultural areas of the region.
The information in this article is based on verified information from Nigeria terrorism news, and serves to provide a background on the origin and impacts of the 200-fatal-headlines event. Understanding these events will provide insight on how the conflict in North-East Nigeria will impact overall stability over time.
Subsequently below are outlined the potential reasons, implications and risks associated with this most recent clash within North-East Nigeria.
Escalating Violence and Worsening Risks for Regional Security Africa
Escalating Violence and Worsening Risks for Regional Security Africa
Just recently, in an article about Terrorism in Nigeria
- Just recently, in an article about Terrorism in Nigeria, rivals (opposing forces) are fighting for control over territory, resources (to include weapons), and are constantly displacing individuals from their hometowns.
Farmers are refraining from returning back to their agricultural fields due to repeated violent raids in their communities without warning.
- Security forces have found it incredibly difficult to monitor the vast geographic areas involved in rural warfare, as participants of the militant movement are using large expanses of forests and river beds to evade detection.
Beyond the immediate area, this type of involvement by militants and the current realities of instability in rural communities are adversely affecting multiple neighbouring states.
Some primary drivers for an increase in the activities and persistence of the militant movement include:
- Competition among the leaders of the militant movement who seek to control strategic geographic locations.
- the expansion of the illegal weapon market (that feeds the armed groups/organisations).
- Lack of effective policing in rural areas, which allows for continually recurring attacks and kidnappings.
All three factors directly relate to the evolution of militant strategies.
Nigeria Terrorism News and Changing Militant Strategies
These developments have also had an effect on Africa’s regional security as there has been an increase in attacks against military convoys, thereby creating an increased level of insecurity for supply routes, as well as humanitarian assistance, to reach villages in danger of being affected by the conflict.
Moreover, transport businesses are cutting back on their travel due to numerous instances of nighttime ambushes against drivers and vehicles.
The militant conflict taking place in the North-East of Nigeria has increased the level of violence between the rival militias as many of these engaging in raid-style warfare against the other are targeting the base camps of their enemies in forested areas.
Additionally, there have been a significant amount of attacks on civilian communities, which has led to a rise in the number of displaced families and has increased the problem of overcrowded living conditions in the towns that receive displaced families.
Some of the other critical developments that have led to these strategies include:
- A rising level of distrust among the commanders of the different territories
- A growing number of nighttime raids on unprotected farms
- The increased use of improvised explosive devices to impede movement over land roads
These circumstances are increasing the pressures being faced by the various Border Regions of Africa as described below.
Cross-Border Pressures and an Expanding North-East Nigeria Conflict
In Niger and Chad, there are reports of soldiers seeing increased activity among mobile militants entering their countries. This activity threatens communities already facing drought and poverty along with limited resources.
Reports from Nigeria regarding terrorism report that militants have taken to mobile units to move fighters via unmonitored forest routes. The militants are also using dry riverbeds and bush paths as quick escape routes following their attacks.
As long as these areas remain unmonitored by coordinated patrols (i.e., without any kind of law enforcement presence), they will continue to be used by associations of militants as active areas in which to operate. Because of the freedom from law enforcement, regional stabilization efforts are being compromised severely.
As regional security concerns for the continent of Africa continue to increase, there are fears that the militants have developed stockpiles of supplies in border villages. These factors enable militant groups to develop networks in multiple territories.
There are a number of significant challenges associated with the increase in the movement of militants across borders, including:
- Limited surveillance technology to monitor large rural areas.
- Increased numbers of displaced persons resulting in the saturation of small community refugee camps.
- Lacking aviation resources for tracking the movement of mobile groups of militants.
These items lead governments in the region to seek stronger partnerships and improved cooperation in responding to this problem.
Government Responses and Their Influence on Regional Security Africa
In relation to the North-East Nigeria conflict, efforts are being made to re-build trust through community involvement in reporting suspicious behaviour and identifying possible threats, thereby decreasing response times to attacks.
The size of many of these networks remains constrained by lack of funding to support the development of these networks, particularly in rural communities that have been affected by ongoing violence and instability.
Some examples of government initiatives to address these issues are as follows:
- Establishment of local defence associations (volunteer enablers) that will be trained to assist in rapid reaction;
- Collaboration with regional task forces for the purpose of conducting coordinated and unified operational planning;
- Support of displaced populations in the area by providing essential services, including but not limited to counselling and healthcare.
International Support and Broadening Solutions for the North-East Nigeria Conflict
The increasing role of international partners to support African region’s peace and security, with emphasis on both training support and equipment supply.
Training support is mainly provided by Western countries such as the US and France who provide technical assistance to front-line security forces, enabling them to have the command, control and operational capabilities to better respond to unexpected attacks by armed militants.
In addition, recent reports have confirmed that several countries in West Africa have entered into agreements to share intelligence on terrorist activities.
By using satellite tracking and digital tools to facilitate the flow of information, early warning systems are able to close gaps of knowledge between countries allowing terrorists to regroup and go undetected; thus significantly improving the coordination of response by security agencies to threats posed by terrorist-related activities.
Humanitarian agencies operating in the North East of Nigeria have been assisting people affected by the conflict, providing food, shelter, and medical assistance to reduce the level of desperation many will face, therefore reducing the number of people who can be easily recruited by terrorist organisations.
Stabilisation Efforts and Future Options for the North-East Nigeria Conflict
The current focus of Stabilisation plans to restore Community trust across the North-East Nigeria conflict stems from years of violence.
Community leaders now provide guidance for creating Dialogue programmes that connect community members.
Enhanced trust among families decreases and facilitates cooperative community engagement and helps alleviate concerns about security.
Community Members are supportive of returning home; however, much support will be required to safely return home.
The Nigeria terrorism information source highlights a new funding source
The Nigeria terrorism information source highlights a new funding source to repair damaged infrastructure (clinics/facilities, schools, etc.).
Repairing/refurbishing clinics and reopening schools allows for the return of parents/students to a normal way of life.
Relatively to that concept, as repair/rehabilitation to the roadway occurs between traders transporting goods from Market to Market, they will be better positioned to resettle back into the area.
With Service being available, families can easily relocate without the burden of hoping they will have the resources they need.
For long-term Regional Security
For long-term Regional Security, the future of Africa depends on Policy and Procedures to create Education and Economic Opportunities.
Young persons will require Training/Mentoring opportunities that will enable them to learn new skills.
Also, Young persons most likely will need additional support to rebuild their farming and Trading businesses.
Therefore, this Strategy will reduce the allure of Militant Groups that prey on impoverished/uncertain families who reside along the borders of their respective countries.
The Future of this type of success will depend on a foundation of Trusting Relationships
The Future of this type of success will depend on a foundation of Trusting Relationships among Security Providers and Communities.
For Citizens to feel comfortable Reporting Threats to Security Providers, they must feel Secure in the knowledge that their concerns will be addressed fairly by Security Providers.
Conclusion
Recent clashes in Nigeria that killed close to 200 people highlight the increasing security threats to Africa. The lack of security caused by opposing terrorist organizations competing to gain power creates a climate of fear and anxiety among many who have lost their homes.
This allows room for more cooperation between neighbouring countries to address the epidemic of violence that has spread and continues to spread through these areas as people have no choice but to rely on continued support by local groups.
The changing tactics by armed groups in Nigeria continue to generate fear and despair for families suffering daily from poverty and the consequences of violence.
The consequences of these tactical changes place even greater strain on the safety of shipping routes and the ability to deliver vital services, and thus, the viability of agricultural production, transportation, and communication is becoming increasingly compromised across multiple northern regions.
