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ConflictsNigeria

Paying for peace in Nigeria as gangs operate with impunity

December 11, 2025

With abductions a grim routine across parts of Nigeria, some communities have started to negotiate with abductors.

https://p.dw.com/p/55BTF

Weeks after mass abductions in Nigeria’s Niger state, over 100 Catholic school students remain missing. Armed gangs continue to terrorize northern communities, forcing locals into peace deals that grant criminals access to markets and services in exchange for safety. Despite government denials of direct negotiations, residents fear the fragile agreements won’t hold as insecurity spreads and kidnappers flaunt their crimes online.