Non-State Actors and Violence in Nigeria

Non-State Actors and Violence in Nigeria: The Political and Socioeconomic Implications is a rigorous and timely analysis of one of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary Nigeria. Moving beyond the security discourse, the book provides a comprehensive analysis of how groups such as Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast, armed militias in the Niger Delta, bandit criminal groups in the North Central and Northwest regions, and IPOB (Biafra) secessionists have redefined Nigeria’s political landscape, security and governance systems, and socioeconomic spaces. Using empirical data, case studies, and interdisciplinary theories, the authors examine the complex and dynamic phenomenon of violence and its implications for Nigeria’s democracy, governance, and socioeconomic environment. They carefully analyse the dynamics of power contestation between the state and non-state actors, highlighting how weak institutions and governance have enabled the emergence and operation of non-state actors. Perhaps more importantly, unlike other works, the book does not focus solely on violence as a security issue but also engages with the broader debate on state formation, sovereignty, and political economy in Africa. By addressing the human costs, economic implications, social factors, and institutional strains caused by violence, the authors provide a comprehensive understanding of how violence affects and reverberates across the population and markets. The study is an essential reading for scholars, policymakers, development practitioners, and security experts interested in the dynamics and implications of violence in Nigeria and beyond. Both theoretically and policy-relevant, the book makes a critical contribution to contemporary debates on violence, governance, and sustainable development locally, regionally, and internationally.