Author(s) :

ROBERT Benenat Kwasu.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Banditry has emerged as one of the most serious security challenges confronting rural communities in Northwestern Nigeria, particularly in Kaduna State. This study examined the causes of banditry, its socio-economic impacts, and the measures adopted to address the menace in rural communities of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design and utilized structured questionnaires to collect data from 187 respondents selected from affected rural communities in the study area. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency distribution, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that poverty (M = 4.18), unemployment among youths (M = 4.11), weak security presence in rural communities (M = 4.06), proliferation of small arms and light weapons (M = 4.02), and poor governance (M = 3.98) were the major causes of banditry in the study area. The study further found that banditry has had severe socio-economic consequences, including reduction in agricultural production (M = 4.31), loss of lives and property (M = 4.28), displacement of residents (M = 4.24), decline in household income (M = 4.19), and increased poverty levels (M = 4.15). In terms of intervention measures, respondents identified increased deployment of security personnel (M = 4.22), community vigilance and vigilante groups (M = 4.18), intelligence gathering and information sharing (M = 4.12), and joint security operations (M = 4.09) as the most commonly adopted strategies for combating banditry.The study concluded that banditry has significantly undermined socio-economic development in rural communities of Chikun Local Government Area through its adverse effects on agriculture, livelihoods, security, and community well-being. The study recommends the implementation of sustainable poverty reduction and youth employment programmes, strengthening of security and intelligence mechanisms, and increased investment in rural development initiatives to address the root causes and consequences of banditry. Keywords: Banditry, Insecurity, Socio-Economic Development, Rural Communities, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

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