Cultism and gang-related activities are not unique to Nigeria. It is a growing security threat that is prevalent among Nigeria’s youth. For decades, Nigerian schools, especially tertiary institutions, have been the breeding grounds for violent cults and gangs. The cults have moved from the tertiary institutions into the streets in direct negation of the founding father\’s philosophy of the original confraternities. The cults infiltrate residential neighborhoods and have started recruiting members from primary and secondary schools. Many of these cult members are introduced to hard drug use and graduated to weapon use.
Data from Nextier SPD Violent Conflict Database shows that in the twelve months to September 2021, Nigeria recorded 38 cultist incidents resulting in 83 deaths, six injured persons, and five kidnapped persons. Except for five dead security agents, all the other casualties were civilians.
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