A NATIONAL SECURITY PERSPECTIVE ON ARMED BANDITRY IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA
n/a
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12700/jceeas.2025.5.1.307Keywords:
Armed banditry, Nigeria, National securityAbstract
This study seeks to explore the negative impacts of armed banditry in North-west (NW) Nigeria from a national security standpoint. The qualitative research design was used in the study to examine pertinent discourses with respect to armed banditry in the NW region and Nigeria’s national security. The paper adopts the theory of functionalism given that it provides a framework for all the stakeholders in a whole-of-society approach to collaborate and interact as a functional structure in addressing the menace of armed banditry. The study identified socio-economic impediments as a major underlying factor that trigger armed banditry attacks. The paper argues that armed banditry has affected educational development in the NW region and disrupted economic activities with huge consequences on Nigeria’s national security. The study found that weak local government administration, prevalence of porous borders, criminal justice impediments, and inter-agency rivalry were major challenges affecting the efforts of the government in addressing the menace of armed banditry. The paper proffered some strategies to curb the spate of armed banditry in the NW region. These included increasing investment in human security, effective border management, and streamlining the roles of security and law enforcement agencies amongst others.
References
Abdullahi, A (2022). Proposed Strategy to curb kidnapping and Banditry in Nigeria. Research Project submitted in Partial Fulfillment for the Award of Fellowship National Defence College, Egypt.
Abdullahi, A.S and Mukhtar, J.I. (2022). Armed Banditry as a Security Challenge in Northwestern Nigeria. African Journal of Sociological and Psychological Studies, 2(1), pp.45-62. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31920/2752-6585/2022/v2n1a3
Adekoya, F. (2021). Nigerians pay more fore insecurity as economic impacts hits 50 Trillion Naira (The Guardian Newspaper). Retrieved June 3, 2024 from https://www.facebook.com/guardianng/photos/today-in-the-guardian-nigerians-pay-more-for-insecurity-as-economic-impact-hits-/10159267631866636/?_rdc=2&_rdr
Agbo, E. (2024). Updated: Supreme Court Affirms Local Government’s Financial Autonomy, Declared Caretaker Committee Illegal. Premium Times, Nigeria. Retrieved July 15, 2025 from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/711923-supreme-court-affirms-local-governments-financial-autonomy.html
Aina, F., Ojo, J.S. and Oyewole, S. (2023). Shock and Awe: Military Response to Armed Banditry and the Prospects of Internal Security Operations in Northwest Nigeria. African Review, 32(4), pp.440-457. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2023.2246432
Ajayi, G.A. (2011a). Crime and Security: The Menace of Armed Robbers in Nigeria. Retrieved May 29, 2024 from http://nigeriaworld.com/articles/2011/oct/241/html
Ajayi, O. (2011b). The Banditry-Terrorism Nexus in Northwest Nigeria. Dakar, Senegal: Capital Press, p.10.
Akinwale, A. and Aborisade, S. (2024). NWDC, Pathway to Massive Economic Development in North-West, says ACF. Retrieved August 10, 2024 from https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/07/27/nwdc-pathway-to-massive-economic-development-in-north-west-says-acf/
Akinwunmi, O. (2001). Princes as Highway Men: A Consideration of the Phenomenon of Armed in Pre-colonial Borgu. Cashier d’etudes Africaines, 41(162), pp. 333-350. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4000/etudesafricaines.90
Akinyetun, T.O. (2022) ‘Crime of Opportunity? A Theoretical Exploration of the Incidence of Armed Banditry in Nigeria’, Insight on Africa, 14(2), pp.174 - 192. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/09750878221079807
Akpa-Achimugu, J. and Ibeh, C. (2023). Implications of Armed Banditry for Education in Nigeria’s North West Region. Geneva Centre for Security Policy.
Alao, D.O., Tayo, T. and Babatunde, O. (2018). Nigerian Custom Service, Inter-agency Cooperation and National Security. International Journal of Advanced Research, 6(12), pp.1186-1194. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/8251
Amnesty International (2008). Nigeria: Criminal Justice System utterly failing Nigerian people; majority of inmates not convicted of any crime. Retrieved June 7, 2024 from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/press-release/2008/02/nigeria-criminal-justice-system-utterly-failing-nigerian-people-majority/
Attah, C.E.(2016). Boko Haram and Sexual Terrorism: The Conspiracy of Silence of the Nigerian Anti-Terrorism Laws. African Human Rights Law Journal,16(2), pp.385-406. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/1996-2096/2016/v16n2a4
Asiwaju, A.I. and Adeniyi,P.O. (2016). Borderlands in Africa: A Multidisciplinary and Comparative focus on Nigeria and West Africa. University of Lagos Press.
Audu, I. (2021). Nigeria’s Porous Borders: An External Threat to Effective Border Security. Lecture Paper Presented to Intelligence Management Course One at Institute of Security Studies, Abuja.
Babatunde, A. (2023). Brief for the Delegation from Nigerian Army Resource Centre on Operational Visit to Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation. Hadarin Daji.
Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, Nigeria. (n.d.). Primary Data on Armed Banditry Attacks and Fatalities in North West Nigeria received via email on 18 June 2024 through the Company’s Risk Operations and Intelligence Coordinator.
Boukhalfa, S. and Amine, A. (2022). Border Security and Surveillance Security using IoT. International Journal of Information Retrieved Research,12 (1), pp.1-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/IJIRR.289953
Chidi, N.J. (2014). Kidnapping in Nigeria. An emerging Social Crime and Implications for the Labour Market. International Journal of Humanitarian and Social Sciences, 4(1), pp.133-145.
Corps, M. (2019). Impact Evaluation of Peacebuilding Programme in Nigeria. Retrieved May 17, 2024 from https://policycommons.net/artifacts/1809951/does-peacebuilding-work-in-the-midst-of-conflict/2545384/
Damian, M. (2007). Sociological Theory: An Introduction to Functionalism. The University of Kent’s Academic Repository.
Dollard, J., Doob, L., Miller, N., Mowrer, O.H. and Sears, R. (1939). Frustration and Aggression. Yale University Press.
Elemo, O. (2023). Impact of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. Journal of Policy and Development Studies, 14(1), pp.102-111.
Gbogbo, E.B. (2023). Nigeria’s unemployment rate drops sharply to 4.1 per cent on revised methodology. Retrieved May 30, 2024 from https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigerias-unemployment-rate-drops-sharply-41-revised-methodology-2023-08-25/
Gulleng, D.Y. and Suchi, P.M. (2021). Impact of National Social Investment Programme on Poverty and Youth Unemployment in Plateau State 2016-2019. Annals of Social Academy, 22(1), pp. 72-88. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36108/ssan/191802.22.0150
Habila, H. (2017). The Chibok Girls: The Boko Haram Kidnappings & Islamic Militancy in Nigeria. Penguin Books Limited.
Igbokwe, I.G. (2023). Accelerating Criminal Justice Administration in Nigeria: The Impact of our data and strategy series. Retrieved June 11, 2024 from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/accelerating-criminal-justice-administration-nigeria-impact-igbokwe
Ibrahim, A. (2020). Perspectives on School Children Abduction: A Threat to Access and Quality Education. In: Omatseye, B.O., Osagiobare, O.E., Ekwukoma, V. and Nyorere, O.I. (Eds.), Education and Contemporary Challenges in Nigeria (pp.316-329). Benin: University of Benin.
Ibrahim, B. and Mukhtar, J.I. (2017). An Analysis of the Causes and Consequences of Kidnapping in Nigeria. African Research Review, 11 (4), pp.134-143. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4314/afrrev.v11i4.11
Ikeme, O. (1980). Groundwork of Nigerian History. Ibadan: Heinemann Education Books Plc.
International Crisis Group, 2020. Violence in Nigeria’s North West: Rolling back the Mayhem. Africa Report No. 288. Retrieved June 2, 2024 from https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/2030363/288-violence-in-nigerias-north-west_0.pdf
Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Nigeria (2021). Military Intervention in curbing Armed Banditry in Nigeria: Challenges and Impacts. Biennial Lecture Series (Unpublished Paper).
Inyang, JD. (2013). The Social Problem of Kidnapping and Its Implications on the Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria: A Study of Uyo Metropolis. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 4(6), pp.531-544. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n6p531
Lowe, M.S. (2004). Combined Intelligence Fusion Centre helps Thwarts Terrorist Attacks. Retrieved June 20, 2025 from https://www.northcom.mil/Newsroom/News/Article/Article/563137/combined-intelligence-fusion-center-helps-thwart-terrorist-attacks/
Maiangwa, B. (2014). Jihadism in West Africa: Adopting a Three-Dimensional Approach to Counterterrorism. Journal of Peacebuilding and Development, 9(3), pp.17-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15423166.2014.984559
Madubuegwu, C.E and Abah, N.C. (2023). Armed Banditry and National Security in Nigeria: An Exploratory Analysis. Journal of the Social Sciences, 8(4), pp.1-15.
Madubuegwu, C.E., Ugwuozor, S. and Udenta, N.C. (2022). Armed Banditry and Regional Security: Imperative of Non-Kinetic Response for Stability of North West. International Journal of Academic Management Science Research, 6 (.6), pp.35-47.
Mele, C., Pels, J., Polese, F. (2010). A Brief Review of Systems Theories and their Managerial Applications. Service Science Journal, 2(2), pp. 126-135. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1287/serv.2.1_2.126
Miguel, E. (2006). Poverty and Violence: An Overview of Recent Research and Implications for Foreign Aid. Retrieved June 8, 2024, from http://emiguel.econ.berkeley.edu/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Chapter__Poverty_and_Violence.pdf
National Security Strategy 2019, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Retrieved March 27, 2024 from https://nctc.gov.ng/storage/2024/01/NSS-2019.pdf
Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics - National Multidimensional Poverty Index. (2022). Retrieved May 30, 2024 from https://www.nigerianstat.gov.ng/news/78
Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics Unemployment Data Report for 4th Quarter, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2024 from https://proshare.co/articles/nigerias-new-unemployment-data-in-numbers-reality-revision-and-reflection?menu=Economy&classification=Read&category=Nigeria%20Economy
Nwanchukwu, J.O. (2024). Insecurity: Tinubu approves ‘Pulaaku Initiative’ for North. Retrieved June 4, 2024 from https://dailypost.ng/2024/01/26/insecurity-tinubu-approves-pulaaku-initiative-for-north/
Odoma, S. (2014). Superiority Struggles and Inter-Agency Feud in Nigeria. Global Journal of Human-Social Science,14(5), pp.33-41.
Ogbonnaya, M. (2020). Illegal Mining and Rural Banditry in North West Nigeria: Responses, Successes and Challenges. Policy Brief No. 19. Retrieved June 8, 2024 from https://enact-africa.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/2020-11-19-illegal-mining-policy-brief.pdf
Ogege, S.O. (2013). Insecurity and Sustainable Development: The Boko Haram Debacle in Nigeria. American International Journal of Social Science, 2 (7), pp.82-88.
Ojo, J.S., Oyewole, S. and Aina, F. (2023). Forces of Terror: Armed Banditry and Insecurity in North_west Nigeria. Democracy and Security Journal, 9 (4), pp.319-346. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17419166.2023.2164924
Onje, O. (2024). Spike in attacks spotlights Nigeria’s ‘not-too-safe’ School Initiative. Retrieved June 4, 2024 from https://businessday.ng/news/article/spike-in-attacks-spotlights-nigerias-not-too-safe-school-initiative/
Otekunrin, O.A., Oluwaseun, A.O., Momoh, S. and Ayinde, I.A. (2019). How far has Africa gone in achieving the zero hunger target? Evidence from Nigeria. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.13616.10242
Okoli, A.C. and Abubakar, M. (2021). Crimelordism: Understanding a New Phenomenon in Armed Banditry in Nigeria. Journal of Asian and African studies, 56(7), pp.1724-1737. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0021909621990856
Okon, E.N., Ojakorotu,V. and Egbebulem, J.C. (2023).The Securitization of Sahel: Issues and Challenges. Journal of African Union Studies, 12 (3), pp.83-104. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31920/2050-4306/2023/12n3a4
Okonkwo, R.T., Nduibusi, O.P and Anagbogu, T. (2015). Security Challenges and the Implications for Business Activities in Nigeria: A Critical Review. Journal of Policy and Development Studies, 9 (2), pp.157-168. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12816/0011214
Okolie, U.C. (2022). Distinction Between Traditional Security and Modern Security: A Conceptual Discourse. Journal of Administrative Science, 19(2), pp.247-266.
Okorie, C., Obasi, T., Nwosu, C.P., Chukwu, A.C., Akanu, O.O., and Ngwuta, A.J. (2023). Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria: Implications for Quality Service Delivery at the Grassroots Level. African Journal of Politics and Administrative Studies, 16(2), pp.293-312.
Okwuwada, N. (2023). The Modern Day consequences, causes and nature of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and violent crime in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Analysis. Munich Personal Repec Archive (MPRA).
Omotuyi, S. (2021). Buying peace or building peace? Amnesty deals and the rising Armed Banditry in North Western Nigeria. Nile Journal of Political Science, 2(1), pp.27-51.
Oyewole, S. and Utibe, T. (2024). Armed Banditry and Food Security in North West Nigeria. In: Ojo, J.S., Aina, F., Oyewole, S. (Eds.), Armed Banditry in Nigeria. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham.
Peoples, C. and Vaughan-Williams, N. (2015). Critical Security Studies: An Introduction. Routledge Publishers.
Rufai, M.A. (2021). I am a Bandit: A Decade of Research in Zamfara State Bandit’s Den. Sokoto. Graphic Concept Academy Limited.
Samuel, O. and J.S. Omotola (2022). Democracy without Demons: Political Mobilization, Public Opinion and Governance in Nigeria’. In: Ibeanu, O. et al. (Editors). Anonymous Power: Parties, Interest Groups and Politics in Nigeria. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan (pp.267-289).
Save the Children International, Nigeria. (2023). Report by Save the Children International, Education under Attack in Nigeria. Retrieved May 4, 2024 from https://resourcecentre.savethechildren.net/pdf/ATTACK-ON-EDUCATION.pdf/
Udombana, N.J. (2022). Administration of criminal Justice Act of Nigeria 2015: A Critique of Selected Legislative Expressions. IALS Student Review, 7(2), pp.51-65.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), (May 12, 2021). Nigeria violence sees 23,000 flee into Nigeria in last month alone. Retrieved May 9, 2024 from https://www.unhcr.org/news/briefing-notes/nigeria-violence-sees-23000-refugees-flee-niger-last-month-alone
United Nations Development Programe (UNDP). (1994). Human Development Report 1994: New Dimensions of Human Security. New York: Retrieved June 9, 2024 from https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/hdr1994encompletenostats.pdf
United Nations. (2018). Pastoralism and Security in West Africa and the Sahel: Towards Peaceful Coexistence. United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWA). Retrieved February 12, 2025 from https://unowas.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/rapport_pastoralisme_eng-april_2019_-_online.pdf
United Nations. (2021). Out-of-School Children. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Retrieved May 10, 2022 from https://leadership.ng/nigeria-has-largest-number-of-out-of-school-children-globally-unicef/
West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (2020). Addressing Armed Banditry in the North –West Region of Nigeria: Exploring the Potentials of a Multi-Dimensional Conflict Management Approach. Retrieved June 3, 2024 from https://www.wanep.org/wanep/files/2020/Feb/POLICY_BRIEF_ON_ARMED_BANDITRY_IN_NIGERIA_-_18022020.pdf
Williams, P.D. (2012). Security Studies. An Introduction. 2nd Edition. New York: Routledge Wilson, E.U. (2021). The Challenges of Safe School in Nigeria: The Role of Security Agencies. International Journal of Arts, Languages and Business Studies, 6(1), pp.193-201.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Abubakar Abdulkadir Alkali , Dries Putter
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
