ABSTRACT
In Nigeria, the rise of violent non-state actors (VNSAs) involved in insurgencies, armed militancy, banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, etc. has challenged the capacity of the state in security and welfare provisioning, and severely weakened citizens’ confidence in the formal state. The failure of the state to ensure law and order has compelled people to consider “self-help” and “community vigilantism.” In rural areas, the failure of the state to provide effective security has resulted in mass displacement, collapse of local economy, and deep sense of fear and hopelessness amongst rural dwellers. This has resulted in mass exodus into cities and displacement camps with concomitant collapse of rural communities, rural livelihood, and the way of life. This chapter examines the nature, causes, consequences of rural violence, and its impact on national security in Nigeria. The chapter argues that the rise of criminality and insurgency in Nigeria’s rural areas has adverse effects on rural livelihood and the various layers of security – municipal and national security in Nigeria, and regional security in the West African subregion.
