For Gidado Isyaku, an elderly herder in Kano State, the traditional practice of seasonal migration has morphed into a dangerous struggle for survival. As environmental conditions worsen, he and many others face threats from bandits and heightened hostility from farming communities. Gidado notes that the scarcity of water and grazing land is the primary driver of this nomadic life, which he would abandon if resources were available locally.
Experts, including Professor Aliyu Baba Nabegu and retired Major General Gambo Ahmed Mai Adua, describe climate change as a significant “threat multiplier.” While it does not initiate conflict directly, it exacerbates poverty and resource competition, creating fertile ground for violence. Desertification, prolonged droughts, and the receding waters of Lake Chad have displaced countless families, forcing them to move southward in search of sustenance.
This displacement has triggered broader security crises, including intensified farmer-herder tensions and the rise of criminal groups. When traditional livelihoods fail, some individuals have turned to cattle rustling and kidnapping. Furthermore, the porous borders have allowed an influx of illicit weaponry, turning localized resource disputes into armed confrontations.
To address these challenges, experts suggest that state and national authorities must prioritize climate adaptation, such as investing in renewable energy and drought-resistant agriculture. Regional cooperation and improved border security are also essential to limit the spread of weapons and manage resource sharing effectively. Ultimately, restoring environmental stability is crucial to preventing the further collapse of traditional livelihoods and reducing national insecurity.
