Abu ‘Abu Radde’ Bello

Brutal and emboldened: how Nigeria’s bandit crisis spun out of control

Conflicts over land and resources have deepened owing to climate breakdown, deforestation and population growthBeneath the shade of the wide-spreading branches of a neem tree, five young gang members wearing camouflage and beanies and cradling AK47 rifles took refuge from the harsh midday sun. They passed around cold bottles of water and a popular energy drink called Fearless. To their left, a dreadlocked teenager with his own rifle rested on one of three motorcycles parked on the sparse grass.