Armed Conflict and Political Violence in Nigeria

Home to over 200 million people and rich in human and natural resources, Nigeria stands as one of Africa’s largest economic and a growing democracy. Paradoxically, it grapples with persistent poverty, bad governance and the rise of armed non-state actors.

In Armed Conflict and Political Violence in Nigeria, the complexities of Nigeria’s security challenges are meticulously unpacked. This comprehensive volume explores the multifacted nature of conflicts, from the Boko Haram insurgency to farmer-herder clashes, and the lingering militancy in the Niger Delta. Drawing on diverse empirical cases, the authors highlight the heterogenous actors driving these conflicts and the varied impacts across different regions.

Through insightful analysis, the book delves into the state’s responses and the roles of non-state actors, emphasizing the need for a multidimensional approach to conflict resolution. It addresses critical issues such as secessionists agitations, gendered dimension of armed militancy, community conflicts, farmer-herder conflicts, religious extremism, armed banditry, and the effectiveness of counterinsurgency and rehabilitation programs.

This collection is a vital resource for understanding Nigeria’s ongoing conflicts and political violence and provides a nuanced perspective on the efforts to foster peace and stability in a nation marked by its dynamic socio-political landscape.