Criminal bandit gang in Birnin Magaji, Zamfara State. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Murtala Rufa’i)
Bandits and militant Islamist groups from the Sahel and Lake Chad increasingly threaten border communities in Northeast Benin and North West Nigeria. These actors exploit safe havens in National parks as well as longstanding social, ethnic, and religious ties in these border areas to evade security forces. Enhanced security cooperation and coordination as well as prioritizing legitimate livelihoods are essential to stemming this threat.
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Security Topics: Countering Violent Extremism