By: Rahmatullah Mahmud 
In the troubled region of northern Nigeria, the threat of terrorism continues to loom large. Over the past decade, the landscape of violence has shifted and transformed, with various extremist groups emerging and wreaking havoc. From the infamous Boko Haram insurgency to the alarming rise of Fulani herdsmen and the menacing activities of bandits, terrorism in northern Nigeria has undergone a worrisome evolution.
The saga began with the emergence of Boko Haram, a jihadist group founded in 2002, whose aim was to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria. Led by the notorious Abubakar Shekau, the group carried out a series of bombings, kidnappings, and mass killings, targeting both civilians and security forces. Their violent campaign reached its peak in 2014 when they infamously abducted 276 schoolgirls from Chibok, capturing global attention and sparking the #BringBackOurGirls movement. Boko Haram’s brutal tactics and unwavering insurgency have left a trail of destruction and displaced millions of people in the region.
However, as the Nigerian military intensified its efforts to combat Boko Haram, another menace began to emerge – Fulani herdsmen. Historically known for clashes over grazing lands, these pastoralist communities turned increasingly violent, leading to a sharp escalation of conflicts with farming communities. What initially appeared to be localized disputes soon took on a more sinister dimension, with reports of heavily armed Fulani herdsmen attacking villages, massacring residents, and displacing entire communities. The predominantly agrarian states of Benue, Plateau, and Taraba became hotspots for these clashes, exacerbating ethnic and religious tensions in the region.
While the focus remained on addressing the Boko Haram insurgency and Fulani herdsmen violence, yet another threat gained prominence – banditry. Bandit groups, often operating in remote and ungoverned areas, started engaging in mass kidnappings for ransom, looting, and indiscriminate attacks. Unlike Boko Haram and the Fulani herdsmen, whose ideological motivations were somewhat discernible, the motives behind banditry seemed more opportunistic, driven by financial gain. The targets of these attacks expanded to include schools, where bandits abducted students and teachers, holding them hostage until ransom payments were made. The infamous case of the Kankara schoolboys’ abduction in 2020, where over 300 students were kidnapped, sent shockwaves through the nation and underscored the evolving nature of terrorism in northern Nigeria.
The evolving nature of terrorism in northern Nigeria presents a complex challenge for the Nigerian government. It requires a multifaceted approach that combines military operations, intelligence gathering, socioeconomic development, and community engagement. The government’s response has been a combination of security deployments, negotiation attempts, and amnesty programs aimed at disarming and rehabilitating militants.
However, critics argue that a sustainable solution requires addressing the root causes of these conflicts, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education. Effective governance, equitable resource allocation, and intercommunal dialogue are vital to fostering peace and stability in the region.
As terrorism continues to evolve in northern Nigeria, the need for a comprehensive and holistic approach becomes increasingly urgent. Without a concerted effort to tackle the underlying issues driving extremism, the region’s population will remain trapped in a cycle of violence, displacement, and despair. The international community must also play a role by offering support, sharing intelligence, and helping Nigeria build its capacity to combat terrorism effectively. Only through a coordinated and sustained effort can the evolving menace of terrorism be confronted and overcome in northern Nigeria.