Destroying to Destroy: Militancy and Environmental Degradation in the Niger Delta

Authors

  • Azeez Olaniyan Ekiti State University, Nigeria

Abstract

The article focuses on the role of militants in compounding the problem of environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. The activities of the oil multinationals destroyed the environment and triggered the emergence of activists poised to reversing this state of affairs. However, Niger Delta militants, as part of their agitation, have employed tactics that further worsen the situation. Thus, tactics such as bombings, vandalism, arson, brigandage, kidnappings, and the establishment of illegal refineries are a way of provoking the oil corporations and the Nigerian state. These tactics bring money to the militants, but cause further environmental degradation of the area.

Author Biography

Azeez Olaniyan, Ekiti State University, Nigeria

Azeez Olaniyan was a fellow at the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society in 2017. He is senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. He is also the assistant director of the Institute of Peace Security and Governance at Ekiti State University. He holds a PhD in political science from the University of Ibadan. He is in the area of comparative politics, peace, conflict, and security studies as well as environmental politics.

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Published

2017-12-19

Issue

Section

Autumn