Nigeria: Why Bandit Amnesties Are Failing in Nigeria’s Northwest

Katsina, Nigeria — Talks become leverage to win safe passage, taxation rights, or space to rearm. That’s why residents bristle when they see armed men strolling out of a reconciliation meeting – nothing has essentially changed.

Nigerians were glued to their screens when more than 270 schoolgirls kidnapped by bandits from their dormitory in Jangebe, Zamfara State, were released and paraded before the cameras.

Government officials rushed to claim victory, presenting the girls’ return as proof that…