Author(s) :

ALIYU Shehu.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study examines the Impact of Banditry and National Security in Nigeria, focusing on Chikun and Giwa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2022. The increasing wave of armed banditry in northern Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna State, poses serious threats to national security, economic development, and societal cohesion. Using a mixed-method approach, the study draws on both primary and secondary data to assess the socio-economic consequences of banditry, the challenges of its mitigation, the relationship between banditry and national security, and the strategies for curbing its spread. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and documentary analysis. The findings reveal that banditry has had a devastating impact on the agricultural economy of Giwa and Chikun, leading to massive displacement, school closures, and the destruction of health and public infrastructure. Moreover, banditry undermines governance, erodes public trust in state institutions, and contributes to the broader insecurity across Nigeria. The research also highlights key challenges in addressing banditry, including inadequate government response, poor coordination among security agencies, proliferation of illegal arms, and socio-economic marginalization. The study establishes a strong nexus between the activities of armed bandits and Nigeria’s national security crisis, emphasizing how the persistent violence weakens internal state control and exposes systemic governance failures. It further reveals that government responses have largely been reactive and short-term, lacking comprehensive strategies for prevention. The study recommends a multi-pronged approach to addressing the crisis, including youth empowerment, the strengthening of community policing, coordinated security efforts, and socio-economic development. Empowering traditional and local governance structures to play a more active role in peacebuilding is also deemed critical. Overall, the study contributes to the discourse on internal security in Nigeria and offers practical policy recommendations to enhance peace and stability in affected regions.

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