Addressing Symptoms, Ignoring the Roots: A Critical Analysis of Nigeria's Peacebuilding Initiatives in the Context of Northwest Banditry

Abstract

This study addresses the enduring challenge of banditry in Nigeria’s northwest region, where peace-building initiatives have largely targeted visible violence while overlooking structural roots such as poverty, youth unemployment and marginalization. It aims to assess the extent to which these initiatives engage underlying drivers of banditry and evaluate their effectiveness in promoting inclusive, community-driven, sustainable peace. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on semi-structured interviews and focus-group discussions with 40 key stakeholders (government officials, security agents, civil society representatives and community members) and document analysis of relevant programme records. Findings show that although many initiatives include youth-engagement or livelihood components, the dominant response remains symptom-oriented; genuine community ownership and sustainable outcomes are limited. Sustainable peace in the region, therefore, requires a shift from reactive, top-down interventions to strategies that simultaneously transform structural inequities, reshape enabling environments and empower local communities. Accordingly, the study recommends redesigning peacebuilding programmes to prioritize structural reform, such as youth employment schemes and governance strengthening and embedding community governance structures, feedback mechanisms and local leadership to ensure long-term ownership and effectiveness.