The International Human Rights Commission – Relief Fund Trust (IHRC–RFT Global), Nigeria Chapter, has expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of banditry and insecurity across the country, calling on authorities to take urgent and decisive action.
In a statement signed by its Country Director, Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the organization urged the Federal Government to respond with sincerity, justice, and a strong commitment to tackling terrorism and banditry in all its forms.
The Commission noted that while the current security crisis appears overwhelming, its roots can be traced to longstanding injustices and systemic failures.
It cited developments in Zamfara State, where the discovery of gold deposits allegedly led to the displacement of Fulani pastoral communities from their ancestral lands.
According to the IHRC, these lands were subsequently redistributed or sold to various local and foreign interests, disrupting traditional livelihoods and pushing many affected individuals into extreme poverty.
This situation, IHRC said, contributed to rising criminal activities, including cattle rustling and the eventual emergence of banditry.
It also raised concerns about the role of vigilante groups, noting that while they were initially formed to support local security efforts, some have reportedly engaged in abuses and extrajudicial actions that further aggravated the crisis.
IHRC further alleged instances of misconduct involving certain security personnel, judicial actors, and traditional authorities, warning that such actions have, at times, deepened grievances rather than resolving them.
The statement also highlighted claims of collusion between some officials and criminal groups operating in forest regions, as well as reports of interference leading to the release of arrested suspects.
The Commission warned that what began as a localized issue has now spread to several states, including Kano State, Jigawa State, Bauchi State, and Kaduna State, with similar patterns of land disputes and pastoralist displacement emerging.
Emphasizing the need for a sustainable solution, the group stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved through fairness, accountability, and a genuine effort to address the root causes of insecurity.
It called on the Federal and state governments to urgently reassess the drivers of banditry, urged security agencies to act with professionalism and respect for human rights, and demanded accountability for all individuals found complicit in fueling insecurity, regardless of their status.
IHRC also appealed for immediate measures to protect vulnerable communities and restore their livelihoods, warning that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where decisive action will determine the country’s future peace and stability.
