The Complexity Of Conflict In Northern Nigeria: A Multidimensional Analysis

EMMANUEL PETER ADAYEHI, PhD 

Introduction

Nigeria faces a persistent crisis marked by insurgency, including Boko Haram, terrorism, ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province), and banditry. This has resulted in the deaths of countless innocent citizens and security personnel over the past 20 years. Among the areas most adversely affected are the regions historically known as the Benue-Plateau.

Summary

In addressing this situation, we must recognize that “we need to share and respect each other’s religions.” Data shows that Borno State has 19% Christians, Yobe 15%, Adamawa 13%, Bauchi 12%, FCT 12%, Kaduna 15%, Plateau State has 9% Muslims, and Niger has 13% Christians. The researcher asserts that the agenda for Islamization by the Northeast and Northwest, led by Fulani Jihadists aiming to form a caliphate, calls for a moment of sober reflection.

Given the urgency of this matter, it is critical to pursue immediate solutions. The idea of state police may not be a comprehensive solution; we must consider how much trust we can place in governors to manage state police, especially regarding offensive weapons, arms, and ammunition.

Looking at governance structures, it is reasonable to propose that regional chairmen be empowered to establish regional police forces. While the federal government would maintain oversight, this approach could yield greater local accountability. This mirrors what the British envisioned upon granting independence—a Westminster model with three regions: Midwestern, Southwestern, and Eastern, allowing each region control of its own resources. The establishment of a federacy would involve paying royalties to the central government to support diplomatic offices and security personnel.

In this model, regional chairmen would be accountable to the President, while state governors would have limited access to the regional commissions. Other proposals include direct payments of monthly security allowances to the police coffers of the regional chairmen through presidential order, thereby ensuring that funds are used appropriately. This approach requires a consensus among the various states of Nigeria.

A total restructuring, featuring a unicameral legislature led by a prime minister in the Westminster model, is proposed. Let Abuja be the federal capital, with all regional royalties directed there. As the seat of government, Abuja would address domestic issues and manage Nigeria’s international engagements. It is essential that the government in Abuja respond promptly to security concerns arising from each region.

The guiding principle should be: “For equity, fairness, and justice, each region should control its resources to promote educational advancement among its people, while the federal government manages federal worker salaries.” The Nigerian federal police service, reminiscent of the 1960s, would function as a federacy of three regions, with each region having total control over its resources and economy, as established under Tafawa Balewa.

As we move forward, we need people of like minds to advocate for these initiatives. If we fail to unify and address our internal issues, we risk conflicts not only among ourselves but also with nations like Australia, Canada, and Great Britain, as highlighted by the U.S. government.

Of particular concern is the warning from former U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who secured 285 out of 383 Congress votes in favor of military intervention in Nigeria. This simplifies to a ratio of approximately 0.744:1 or 3:4, corresponding to a percentage of (285 / 383) x 100% ≈ 74.4%. This substantial majority reflects a strong commitment to addressing the crisis and signals that the international community is closely watching Nigeria’s situation.

Thus, the research emphasizes the need for finding common ground for lasting peace. Continuous violence has led Nigeria to effectively lose control over the northeastern and northwestern regions to Islamic fundamentalists seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate.

Moreover, this paper advocates that the federal government consider the secession of these regions to form an Islamic nation, where sharia law can be practiced freely. Observations indicate that terrorists sometimes position themselves as community representatives, diverting attention from other pressing issues, such as the Biafran agitation and the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The Urgency of Sovereignty

Transitioning into the broader implications of governance, the desire for Islamic rule in the Northeast and Northwest reflects a communal aspiration that must be recognized. The societal upheaval caused by the violent imposition of sharia law disrupts lives and poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s unity. The roots of this conflict reach back to the jihad led by Othman Danfodio in the early 19th century, signaling a long-standing ambition to Islamize Nigeria.

It is essential to acknowledge that Nigeria’s development has heavily relied on contributions from the Southwestern, Southeastern, North-Central, and South-South regions. For the past 60 years, the Northeast and Northwest have remained impoverished and underdeveloped, despite the existence of governance structures.

The Ethics of Faith

As we explore the ethics of coexistence, faith is inherently personal, and religious imposition must be respected. It is crucial to note that one cannot force another to accept a contrary belief. The Yoruba people in the Southwest peacefully coexist with many Muslims, while in the North, violent acts against non-Muslims often occur under the guise of Islamization. Presently, perpetrators exploit Islam to justify atrocities, including political manipulation and ethnic violence.

This brings us to a broader question: Can the global community draw parallels between these regional dynamics and international conflicts? After two decades of fighting the Taliban, the U.S. finds itself in a situation where the Taliban now governs Afghanistan. Similarly, groups like Al-Qaeda have engaged in prolonged conflicts against the West without resolution. The question arises: Can U.S. efforts effectively quell Islamic extremism? The answer may be no; it may be time for the Northeast and Northwest to establish their own Islamic states.

Educational and Technological Imperatives

Delving into educational aspects, the Northeast and Northwest express a clear desire for an Islamic state. Nigeria’s failure to confront this radical ideology carries far-reaching implications. Education can serve as a powerful tool to mitigate illiteracy and foster economic development, particularly in agriculture. Northern leaders should actively involve citizens in governance discussions to address these issues.

Recent events, including the alleged violent activities of the Miyetti Allah group, illustrate a pervasive culture of impunity. Political leaders often remain silent in the face of violence, leaving ordinary Nigerians to bear the brunt of insecurity. Moreover, government officials frequently leak sensitive information to terrorists, perpetuating a cycle of violence.

The Call for Separation

Given the complexities at play, a critical question arises regarding the Fulani’s ambition for an Islamic state: how can they believe that force will achieve their goals? These factions often dominate various sectors, promoting principles that lead to inequality. If Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration fails to declare a state of emergency to address these threats, peace will remain elusive, further eroding Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

Understanding the historical context surrounding Nigeria’s borders, particularly with predominantly Islamic countries such as Niger, Chad, and Mali, is essential. Global jihadist movements have intensified local dynamics, complicating Nigeria’s stability. While Islam is predominant in the Northeast and Northwest, it is vital to recognize the significant Christian populations in Borno and Kaduna.

Concrete Recommendations for Regional Authorities

To effectively tackle insecurity, inequality, and religious strife, regional authorities should consider the following recommendations:

1. Establish Community Dialogues: Initiate regular meetings with religious leaders and local influencers to foster understanding and reconciliation among different faiths.

2. Develop Local Security Forces: Create regional security units composed of local community members to build trust and ensure responsiveness to local needs.

3. Invest in Education and Vocational Training: Prioritize educational initiatives, including vocational training, to combat youth unemployment and deter involvement with extremist groups.

4. Utilize Technology for Transparency: Implement technological solutions to enhance transparency in governance and security operations, ensuring accountability.

5. Facilitate Economic Development Programs: Launch initiatives aimed at improving agriculture and local businesses, providing economic opportunities that diminish the appeal of militancy.

6. Encourage Regional Autonomy: Advocate for increased regional autonomy, allowing local leaders to adopt tailored solutions for their specific challenges.

7. Implement Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Establish local conflict resolution frameworks that empower communities to settle disputes peacefully.

8. Promote Religious Freedom: Safeguard the rights of all religious groups, ensuring that every individual can practice their faith without coercion.

Potential Consequences of Secession

Transitioning to the topic of secession, it could lead to heightened violence, as factions may seize the opportunity to pursue aggressive agendas. This instability could have adverse effects on the broader West African region, underscoring the need for careful consideration of the implications of secession.

Human Impact of the Conflict

The human cost of these conflicts is staggering. Families have been torn apart, and communities irrevocably changed. For instance, Amina, a widow from Borno, lost her husband to Boko Haram violence. Struggling to support her three children, she faces daily challenges in an area where education is scarce. Her situation mirrors that of countless others enduring similar hardships.

Children have been displaced and forced to abandon their education, with many young boys recruited by militants and girls facing abduction and forced marriages. This humanitarian crisis calls for urgent attention from both local and international bodies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nigeria’s plight demands a thorough reevaluation of its governance structure. Empowering regional authorities can help address long-standing issues of insecurity, inequality, and religious strife. The federal government must proactively respond to security challenges and ensure equitable resource management across regions.

Finding resolutions to these conflicts is not merely a political necessity; it is a moral imperative for the future stability and unity of Nigeria. Stakeholders must engage in respectful dialogue, recognize diverse faiths, and genuinely empower local governance to work toward lasting peace. Only through collaborative efforts can Nigeria aspire to create a stable and prosperous future.