The North West of Nigeria is currenty in the grips of a deadly conflict involving armed groups which range from herder-allied groups to vigilantes, criminal gangs and jihadists. Over 8,000 people have been killed and over 200,000 have been displaced since 2011, some into neighbouring countries. Although there have been several efforts to enforce security and open dialogue between actors, a lasting solution has not been found.
Competition for scare resources between mainly Fulani herders and mostly Hausa farmers is the main cause of the conflict. The violence has intensified as organised crime which includes cattle rustling, kidnapping and village raids has grown. The fragile security situation has led some Jihadist groups to exploit the crisis.
A virtual analysis of Nigeria's farmer-herder conflict has been released by the International Crisis Group. It offers insights into the influence of climate change on the conflict as well as the measures taken to resolve it.
The virtual analysis is found here.