THE TRIANGLE OF TERROR: BOKO HARAM, FULANI HERDSMEN, BANDITS AND ORGANISED INSECURITY IN NIGERIA

Since 1999, a number of concerns have been inspiring and driving organized insecurity in the country. This includes the search for resources control by the Niger Delta, ethno-regional self-determination unrest, and BokoHaram terrorism, herders-farmers conflicts and banditry. The Federal Government has put in place many initiatives reflecting an approach to insecurity via "carrots and sticks." For example, while appeasing Niger Delta agitators and BokoHaram's sudden fighters, the Government outlawed and prohibited some ethno-regional groupings. Despite attempts by state, the latter have become emboldened and deadlier, putting Nigeria's survival and peace at danger. The essay explores BokoHaram, Fulani Herdsmen and Bandits, notably along Nigeria's major ethnic and religious fault lines, in the light of their organizational and operational commonalities. It has already become a triangle of terror that defies incentives and sticks methods of the national security establishment since insurgent organizations are becoming the focus of Germany. Aware that safety equipment is not integrated in the local community; the essay suggests a community-oriented redesign of Nigeria's security architecture. This will generate confidence and support effective intelligence collections to curb organized crime and instability, and will serve as an alternative to a plan to oppose and alienate security.