A social network analysis of internally displaced communities in northeast Nigeria: potential conflicts with host communities in the Lake Chad region

Abstract

In this study, we aim to analyze social networks in which internally displaced persons (IDPs) are involved in northeast Nigeria, after they have been displaced by the insurgency of the Boko Haram group. While IDPs usually resettle in camps operated by the government, contacts with host communities are common. We further analyze the potential that such contacts may lead to conflicts between IDPs and their host communities in the Lake Chad region. Data for this study were collected by interviewing IDPs in the Bakassi IDP camp in Maiduguri and by interviewing members of the host community in Maiduguri in close proximity to the Bakassi IDP camp. A Social Network Analysis approach was used to analyze the data, by constructing social network graphs and computing network attributes, mainly the betweenness centrality of actors. The results of the study show on the one hand a mixture of friendly and conflicting relationships between IDPs and the host community from the IDPs’ perspective, and on the other hand, only few contacts between members of the host community and IDPs in the Bakassi IDP camp, from the host community's perspective. The analysis suggests that in the context of conflict present in the Lake Chad region, IDPs and members of the host community mainly use closed networks, to keep available resources and economic opportunities within their communities. We recommend a better service delivery to IDPs but also to members of the host communities who feel neglected as more attention is given to IDPs with the distribution of humanitarian aid.

Challenges Associated with Persons Internally Displaced by Boko Haram Insurgency in Yobe State

“…It should be noted here that the primary needs of IDPs remain to be food, shelter, clothing and opportunities to reduce dependence. The conflicts have brought about fundamental problems of human security in the north-eastern region, particularly with regard to humanitarian crises (Kamta & Scheffran, 2022;World Food Programme, 2022). 399 Article DOI: 10.52589/AJSSHR-I1OQDULD DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.52589/AJSSHR-I1OQDULD…”

“…This issue transcends regions, affecting Africa, the Middle East, Asia, America, and Europe, each grappling with distinct conflict forms (Alao, cited in Garba & Muktar, 2019). Northeast Nigeria has seen increasing numbers of IDPs in the main cities of the region, in response to the violence perpetrated by the insurgency of the Islamist group Boko Haram (Kamta & Scheffran, 2022) The conflict's complexities have led to significant displacement trends, forcing individuals and families into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and host communities. This displacement mirrors broader patterns observed in conflict-ridden regions across Africa.…”

“…The impact of insurgency-induced displacement extends beyond physical relocation, causing the loss of homes, disruption of livelihoods, and breakdown of community structures. Damaturu's socio economic fabric vividly illustrates the profound consequences of the Boko Haram insurgency, necessitating a critical examination of its implications (Cederman & Pengl, 2019;Kamta & Scheffran, 2022).…”

Adaptation of internally displaced persons in host communities under conditions of war in Ukraine: The role of local governments

“…However, researchers pay attention to the negative consequences of the impact of mass internal displacement on the host communities when the level of the financial and economic capacity of the communities is low (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 2021). In the countries such as Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Mali, and Colombia, the mass displacement of IDPs has led to destabilization of the situation in host communities due to the depletion of the resource base (George & Adelaja, 2022) and resulted in increased tensions and the emergence of conflicts between IDPs and host communities, contributing to local violence (ACAPS, 2019; Kamta & Scheffran, 2022). The problem of unequal access to basic goods (housing, social services, jobs) between community residents and IDPs (even after 10 years of residence of these individuals in host communities) is quite relevant, which is related to the lack of established social networks and dependence on state assistance (Arredondo et al, 2011;Salihu et al, 2022;Halkiv et al, 2022).…”

Inside Nigeria’s Internally Displaced Persons Camps: Safe Haven or Den of Marauders

“…With the deployment of the military and sundry forces, the issue of insecurity should have been the least expected, but it has become a recurring decimal in these camps. Host communities have in many instances attacked IDPs, especially because of the porous security situation in these camps, resulting in injuries and sundry damages (Kamta and Scheffran, 2021). Host communities feel threatened that their lands have been seized and handed over to people.…”