Title: The Origin And Development Of Yan Daba: A Study Of Criminal Gangs In Northern Nigeria
Authors: DR. NWAGU EVELYN EZIAMAKA, VICTOR YUSUF OBADIAH, DANTANI AGABI YAKUBU
Volume: 10
Issue: 9
Pages: 72-76
Publication Date: 2026/09/28
Abstract:
The origin of yandaba was traced to the political history of 1954-1966, when the principal opposition party in kano, namely the northern element progressive union (NEPU) Felt threatened and was not adequately protected by the native authority police, this led to the recruitment of local hunters as thugs to provides protection to the opposition leaders. The other political parties also recruited their private armies later, leading to clashes between the rival groups in subsequent electoral campaigns. This was terminated with the first military takeover in the country, and yandaba were reintegrated into the society. The restoration of democratic rule in the second republic, beginning with the lifting of ban on partisan politics in 1978 saw the re-emergence of yandaba. The authors adopt historical research design to carry out this researched. Findings revealed that activities of yandaba got a boost with the inception of forth republic in 1999, as they are being patronised by the politicians and they are also involve in criminal activities and political violence