Banditry and the complicity of authorities in Zamfara State

Abstract

Banditry is one of the major forms of insecurity in many states of the Northwest of Nigeria; it specifically poses significant threats to the wellbeing of the community and the economic stability in Zamfara State. The objective of this work is to examine the causes of banditry, analyze the impact on socio-economic, political and human security in Zamfara State and unravel the complicity of authorities in the banditry syndicate. Employing a qualitative approach, using primary sources, the study adopted the human security theory which emphasized the impact of banditry on the wellbeing and safety of people and communities in Zamfara State. The research findings include the identification of several causes of banditry which are farmer-herder conflicts, state and traditional rulers’ complicity, poverty. Banditry’s impact on the socio-economic activities has led to a significant decline in agricultural productivity, economic instability, loss of lives and property while in the political aspect it has resulted in a weak governance, political instability and threat to democratic process. Human security is severely impacted by banditry, with thousands of people displaced, human rights violation and disruption of basic services such as healthcare and education. The research recommended the adoption of integrated security strategies, economic support and development, community-based initiatives, government accountability and improvement, conflict resolution, human security and social services which should be critically used to mitigate the adverse effect of banditry and restore stability in Zamfara State.