Why Terrorism and Banditry Are Increasing in Nigeria – Peterside Explains

Atedo Peterside, President of ANAP Foundation and Founder of IBTC Bank, has offered insight into the reasons behind the growing wave of terrorism and banditry in Nigeria.

Speaking during an appearance on Prime Time, a programme aired on Arise Television and monitored on Monday, Peterside explained that the worsening security situation is closely linked to Nigeria’s deep-rooted economic imbalance and widespread poverty.

According to him, individuals living in extreme hardship are often vulnerable and easily drawn into criminal activities such as banditry and terrorism because their basic needs remain unmet.

Peterside pointed out that Nigeria suffers from a severe income distribution challenge. While a small segment of the population continues to thrive financially, a significantly larger portion struggles to survive under harsh economic conditions.

He explained that in some economies, wealthy individuals and corporate elites may appear to be doing exceptionally well, benefiting from rising stock market gains and expanding assets. However, Peterside stressed that his concern lies with the estimated 140 million Nigerians living in poverty, describing them as the core of the nation’s security challenge.

According to him, a society cannot maintain balance or stability when a large population remains impoverished while a few enjoy extreme wealth. He noted that it is unrealistic for affluent individuals to assume long-term safety and peace when they are surrounded by millions who lack access to basic opportunities.

Although Peterside clarified that poverty alone should not be automatically linked to insecurity, he emphasized that neglect by the state creates conditions that make recruitment into terrorism and banditry easier. When people receive little or no support from government institutions, they become susceptible to manipulation and exploitation by criminal groups.

He explained that these neglected individuals often become future bandits or terrorists, not necessarily by choice, but due to desperation and lack of alternatives.

Peterside further highlighted Nigeria’s alarming education crisis, noting that about 30 million children are currently out of school. He explained that individuals without education find it increasingly difficult to participate meaningfully in a modern economy.

Without employable skills or access to decent jobs, such individuals are more likely to become targets for criminal recruitment. According to him, the inability to integrate into productive economic systems pushes many young people toward insecurity-related activities.

He concluded by warning that Nigeria is facing a serious national challenge and questioned how leadership could remain comfortable in the face of such widespread economic and social distress.