ARMED CRIMINALITY AND FOOD SECURITY IN THE GULF OF GUINEA: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The Gulf of Guinea has emerged as a focal point of concern due to its entrenched armed criminality, which poses significant threats to regional stability and food security. Rooted in systemic issues such as bad governance, corruption, and socio-economic disparities, the region grapples with recurrent violent conflicts fueled by struggles for economic control. Rural banditry, a pervasive form of domestic insurgency, exacerbates these challenges, undermining efforts towards regional integration and security in West Africa. This paper examines the dynamics of armed criminality within Nigeria, shedding light on its international security implications and its impact on broader regional security initiatives. Drawing from secondary data sources, the study identifies rural banditry as a multifaceted conflict driven by resource competition, elite collusion, and socio-economic deprivation. Factors such as bad governance, climate change, and the erosion of traditional livelihoods further compound the crisis, transforming it into a sub-regional threat with far-reaching consequences. The implications of armed criminality extend beyond immediate security concerns, manifesting in radicalised youth, heightened unemployment, and illicit trade networks across the sub-region. Moreover, the collapse of agricultural and livestock sectors, the proliferation of small arms, and the erosion of traditional institutions exacerbate the crisis, fostering ethnic tensions and refugee influxes. In response, the paper advocates for a comprehensive review of regional security frameworks, emphasising enhanced intelligence cooperation among ECOWAS countries and bolstered border surveillance. Furthermore, community-based dialogue and awareness initiatives are recommended to mitigate the root causes of rural banditry and foster sustainable peace and stability across West Africa.