Mercy Corps’ 2023 report describes how a youth-led action research initiative empowered 74 young researchers across Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano states in northwest Nigeria to investigate local violence—from banditry and kidnapping to political thuggery and sectarian conflict—and identify youth-driven solutions.
Key findings show violence is fueled by structural issues like lack of education, unemployment, mistrust in justice systems, and political manipulation, and that engaging youth in community-led initiatives, such as early-warning mechanisms, dialogue campaigns, and civic education, can both prevent violence and strengthen social cohesion.