Living Islam

The proliferation of gang and militia activities in these (northern and central Nigerian) regions resulting from a booming kidnapping for ransom industry has continued to test the capabilities of Nigerian Security operatives.

The perpetrators of these events have multiple motives, ranging from economic interests to political interests. Despite the Nigerian government’s no negotiation policy, perpetrators, particularly in northern and central Nigerian states, have been able to use abduction/forced disappearance events as an effective tool to amplify there diverse demands on state authorities. They have been able to carry out such abductions/forced disappearances with the help of small arms smuggled into Nigeria from the Sahel. In other parts of the country, many non-state actors have engaged in kidnapping for ransom following the slowdown of economic activity due to the country’s Coronavirus lockdown measures amid high unemployment and inflation rates. Other contributing factors to this increased state of insecurity include the limited presence of state forces in under-governed areas. – ACLED (Armed Conflict & Event Data Project). Authors: Dr. Olajumoke (Jumo) Ayandele, and Curtis Goos- May 20, 2021.

NIGERIA KIDNAPPINGS

It’s 10 years since 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped from their school in northern Nigeria.

Dozens of the girls remain missing after their abduction by Boko Haram fighters. No one has ever been charged for the crime which made headlines worldwide.

The anniversary is being commemorated in the town of Chibok.

Aljazeera – April 14, 2024

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ACLED (Armed Conflict & Event Data Project). Authors: Dr. Olajumoke (Jumo) Ayandele, and Curtis Goos- May 20, 2021. https://acleddata.com/2021/05/20/mapping-nigerias-kidnapping-crisis-players-targets-and-trends/?fbclid=IwAR1oZcLwqSyqBfErPSu71F0p702Xrr4ELUAZjky0Z6i-_aiyadFpdd2rCz8

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32 Million Africans Forcibly Displaced by Conflict and Repression

‘Africa’ continues to experience expanding and record levels of forced displacement – a result of predatory governments, political fragmentation, and violent extremist groups.

‘Nigeria’ faces a range of destabilizing security threats. In the North East region, violent attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa have resulted in the displacement of 2.5 million Nigerians. Kidnappings, extortion, and organized criminal attacks in the North West have displaced an additional 800,00 people; – (The Africa Center for Strategic Studies, June 17, 2021). https://africacenter.org/spotlight/32-million-africans-forcibly-displaced-by-conflict-and-repression/?fbclid=IwAR2qrfpeC6btVhXMyTqyk24EUfQ5LmTNX5lO-o14jFfqObBH6SUuH0v4iFU