The Nigerian military’s efforts to combat banditry in the northern region have been hindered by several factors, leading to the continued payment of levies and ransoms by residents to bandits.
Despite the military’s claims of successes in counter-terrorism operations, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Retired generals, security experts, and affected communities have pointed to the military’s inability to provide adequate security, the people’s deep-seated distrust in the military, and inadequate manpower as significant contributors to this issue.
Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.), a former Commandant of Army Signals and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, emphasized that the people’s distrust in the military stems from their perceived inability to protect residents. “People don’t trust the military anymore. If the people knew that by refusing to pay the levy, the military would take action against those demanding it, no one would waste their money. So, it is an issue of trust.”
Furthermore, Brig. Gen. John Sura (retd.), a former Commander of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, highlighted the military’s limited presence in remote communities. “Their presence is usually concentrated at local government headquarters or stationed at major road junctions leading into towns. But these villages are often far away—sometimes five to 10 kilometers. So how do you expect the military to respond swiftly?”
Another retired general, who requested anonymity, cited the military’s inadequate manpower as a major factor contributing to their inability to provide adequate security. “The security agencies can make announcements and say, ‘Don’t fear them (bandits),’ but you know why you fear them—because they are right there on your streets.”
Gen. Williams also stressed the importance of community policing, stating that “there must be some people within the affected communities who are also benefiting from the levies and ransoms paid by the people to the bandits.”
The impact of banditry on communities in northern Nigeria is devastating. Residents have been forced to pay heavy levies, ranging from N20m to N200m, to avoid attacks. In some cases, communities have had to sell their farm produce to raise funds to meet the bandits’ demands.
In July 2024, residents of the Toro community in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State were forced to sell their farm produce to raise N20m levy imposed on them by bandits. The people had to contribute N50,000 each to avoid being attacked.
Similarly, the people of Moriki town in the Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State struggled to raise N30m levy imposed on them by the notorious bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, in September last year.
The payment of levies and ransoms to bandits has severe economic implications for affected communities. The levies imposed on communities are often exorbitant, leaving residents with little or no resources to invest in their farms, businesses, or education.
According to a report by the Gobir Development Association, a group of professionals in the local government, residents of the council areas had paid over N160bn in levies and ransom to bandits.
To address the issue of banditry and the payment of levies and ransoms, the Nigerian government and military must adopt a multi-faceted approach. This includes restoring trust in the military, providing adequate security, implementing effective community policing strategies, and addressing the economic implications of banditry.
The government must also engage in dialogue with affected communities, listening to their concerns and working with them to develop effective solutions. Additionally, the government must address the root causes of banditry, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
Ultimately, the Nigerian government and military must recognize that the payment of levies and ransoms to bandits is a symptom of a larger problem – the failure of the state to provide adequate security and protection to its citizens. Addressing this issue requires a fundamental transformation of the security architecture and a commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of all Nigerians