‘We are familiar faces’: are local peacemakers the answer to Nigeria’s bandit crisis?

We are familiar faces’: are local peacemakers the answer to Nigeria’s bandit crisis?

We are familiar faces - In August 2025, Dayyabu Abba-Kurfi, a 60-year-old civil servant and community leader from Katsina state, made headlines by mediating a historic agreement between local residents and bandit gangs in his hometown of Kurfi. The deal, which brought an end to months of violence, marked a turning point in the region’s struggle against marauding criminals. Abba-Kurfi, known for his football talent in the 1980s, had long been a familiar figure in his community, though his reputation as a mediator only became prominent in recent years.

The roots of the conflict

The bandit crisis in northern Nigeria has deep historical roots, tracing back to the post-independence era. Since Nigeria gained independence from Britain in 1960, the country’s population has grown rapidly, putting pressure on traditional grazing routes. Climate change has further exacerbated the situation, reducing arable land and forcing herders to encroach on farmland, often leading to clashes with farmers. These tensions have fueled the formation of vigilante groups, which initially emerged as self-defense initiatives but have since evolved into armed criminal networks.

Malik Samuel, a senior researcher at the thinktank Good Governance Africa in Abuja, explained that the nomadic Fulani communities, who rely on seasonal migration, have increasingly been pushed to the margins. “Their lack of land ownership makes them vulnerable, and when disputes arise between herders and farmers, the latter often receive more support from authorities,” he noted. This dynamic has allowed some groups to exploit grievances, escalating violence into a full-blown security threat.

The rise of banditry

Over time, these vigilante groups transformed into more organized entities, known locally as bandits. Equipped with motorcycles and weapons, they now operate as lucrative criminal enterprises, engaging in illegal mining and a thriving kidnapping industry. According to SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based risk analysis firm, the country recorded 15,000 kidnapping incidents between 2019 and 2025. Between July 2024 and June 2025 alone, the bandits collected 2.57bn naira in ransoms, highlighting the scale of the problem.

Of these incidents, a significant portion occurred in the north-west, where Katsina state has become a hotspot for bandit activity. Eleven of the state’s 34 local government areas (LGAs) are currently facing frequent attacks, forcing communities into a state of constant vigilance. Villagers have been displaced to towns, where they now navigate unfamiliar environments and higher living costs. In their absence, bandits have taken over farmland, using young and mature crops as feed for their livestock.

Life in the shadow of violence

Residents of Katsina’s affected areas have adopted survival strategies, such as eating dinner as early as 5pm and retreating to forests before nightfall. The fear of raids has disrupted daily routines, creating a climate of anxiety. In one harrowing incident, a family in Kurfi was separated during a bandit attack: the father hid beneath their matrimonial bed, while the mother was raped by attackers. Children, often left behind in the chaos, faced the additional danger of snake bites in the bush.

Despite the trauma, some communities have taken matters into their own hands. Peace deals, negotiated directly with bandit factions, have become a common solution. These agreements often allow groups to collect protection taxes in exchange for halting raids. In Kurfi, elders reported that a bandit leader in a neighboring LGA sought to replicate such a truce with Abba-Kurfi after witnessing its success. Community members pleaded with the state government to approve direct negotiations, arguing that military offensives often worsened their plight by triggering retaliatory attacks.

Government response and criticism

Nigeria’s federal government has attempted to curb the crisis through a combination of military operations and financial incentives. However, critics argue that these efforts have not been effective. “Amnesty payments, while meant to disarm militants, can inadvertently encourage violence by showing that it pays off,” said a local activist. This sentiment has led to widespread frustration, as communities feel abandoned by state authorities. In Kurfi, for example, the government’s reluctance to support peace talks has made residents question its commitment to their safety.

Abba-Kurfi, who grew up in a polygamous household with 15 siblings, had long been accustomed to resolving disputes within his community. His experience in mediating household and workplace conflicts translated well into his role as a peace broker. When Katsina state eventually authorized talks, he was chosen to lead a team comprising local leaders, district officials, and clerics from the influential Izala sect. The bandits, numbering over 80, showed confidence in his ability to mediate, citing their shared history with the community.

“Many of them were raised in this area, and some of their parents still hold government posts,” Abba-Kurfi explained. This familiarity has created a unique dynamic, where bandits and civilians are not just adversaries but also neighbors. The peace pact, he said, was a natural outcome of this mutual understanding. “We are familiar faces,” he added. “Our families have lived side by side for generations, and this conflict has only deepened our connections.”

Challenges and hope

While the peace deal in Kurfi offers a glimmer of hope, the broader crisis remains unresolved. Bandit groups continue to shift their operations, often relocating to areas with weaker security. This mobility makes containment difficult, as new pockets of conflict emerge. However, Abba-Kurfi’s success has inspired other communities to explore similar solutions. “Local leaders are now more willing to engage in dialogue, recognizing that the state alone cannot fix this,” said a Kurfi elder. The challenge, he added, is ensuring that these agreements are sustained and that both sides commit to peace.

As the sun sets over Katsina’s rural landscape, the echoes of conflict linger. But for now, the peace pact has allowed families to rebuild their homes, children to return to school, and communities to regain a sense of control. Abba-Kurfi’s story underscores the potential of grassroots efforts in addressing complex security challenges. Whether this approach can be replicated nationwide remains to be seen, but for those in Kurfi, it has been a vital step toward stability. “This isn’t just about ending violence,” he said. “It’s about restoring trust and ensuring our people can live without fear.”

"For months now, we have experienced relative calm … our people are rebuilding their livelihoods," said Dayyabu Abba-Kurfi, a local politician and community leader.

"Because of their nomadic nature, a lot of them are denied land ownership," noted Malik Samuel, a researcher at Good Governance Africa. "And whenever there are issues between herders and farmers, they [feel] farmers get more sympathy or