Emerging Associational Life Matters for Counter-Insurgency in Zamfara State, Nigeria
Taofiki Aminu, PhD, Masud Bello, PhD
Abstract
This study investigates the emerging associational life as a strategic mechanism for counter- insurgency in Zamfara State, Nigeria. It specifically examines how historical background of associational life in northern Nigeria fosters unity and harmonious relations among plural ethnic groups, as well as the socio-cultural, economic, political, and religious conditions that reinforce collective structures. Drawing from the synthetisation of Homansâ theory and Balance theory, the study conceptualizes associational life as a network of shared activities, interactions, and sentiments that strengthen group cohesion and resilience against insurgent threats. The study adopts a multidisciplinary approach rooted in the humanities and social sciences, utilising both primary and secondary data sources. The primary data were elicited through unstructured oral interviews conducted in English, Hausa, and Fulani across seven insurgency-vulnerable communities, Dan-sadau, Birnin Magaji, Tsafe, Maru, Kaura Namoda, Talata Mafara, and Anka in Zamfara State. The snowball sampling was employed to identify participants incorporated into community-based counter-insurgency associations (CBCIAL) which consisted of traditional leaders, faith-based representatives, womenâs groups, youth groups, disability associations, vigilante groups, and transport unions- NURTW among others. These stakeholdersâ actions involved profound participation in surveillance and information dissemination, enormously assisted in mitigation of insurgency through the early warning system piloted in the rural communities of Zamfara State. In complementation of CBCIAL action plans, the secondary sources that comprised published and unpublished materials from libraries collections, and the CBCIAL records. However, the findings underscored associational life as rooted in historical traditions adapted to contemporary socio-political realities serves, not only as a platform for solidari
Keywords
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