GLAMORIZATION OF FULANI HERDSMEN’S CRIMINALITY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the rising trend of Fulani herdsmen criminality and its implications on national security in Nigeria. The raising profile of Fulani herdsmen attack and their criminal atrocities across the country since the beginning of the Buhari government in Nigeria cannot be over emphasized. Across the length and breadth of Nigeria, their criminal attacks have rendered villages empty, properties destroyed while farms have been abandoned. This is worsened by government inability to caution them or take any effective measure to contain the situation. Government incapacitation to halt their criminal atrocities is viewed as a way of glamorizing their activities which seemingly have provided the fulcrum for their increased impunity and wanton destruction of lives and property. There is no gainsaying that their activities have grave and severe consequences on national security especially food security and national unity. The paper views that government inaction to caution, arrest, prosecute or punish these criminal elements is evidence that government is behind their activities. It also views government silence as shrouded in inert motive which is not far from expansionist ideology. The paper recommends that government must ensure that the attacks of Fulani herdsmen are immediately treated as a national emergency because of the bad blood it has already created in the country. Efforts of government must ensure that the activities of Fulani herdsmen are checked to ensure peace and security across the country. Government must provide compensations for all victims of Fulani herdsmen criminal actions to ensure their rehabilitation and restoration. There is need for massive enlightenment and the use of restorative justice to douse tensions and rebuild trust in the society.