Effect Of Banditry On Socio-Economic Development Of North-West Geopolitical Zone Of Nigeria

Abstract

The emergence of criminal bandits in the northwest Nigeria has further deteriorated the socio-economic growth of the region already crippled by Bokoharam insurgency and other security challenges. This article offers to interrogate the effect of banditry on socio-economic development of northwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The article adopts both descriptive and analytical research designs for collection and analysis of data. The findings of the study reveal among others that: banditry has negatively impacted on average per-capita income of the people, bandit activities have significantly affected human dignity among women and banditry has significant impact on food security. Consequently, the article holds the view that the region's socioeconomic development is still a long way off due to bandit operations. It recommends among others that in the envisaged new order, local government and traditional institutions should be actively and fully involved in security measure(s) against banditry in the region.

Banditry Implications on Socio-Economic Development in Baringo South Sub-County, Kenya

“…Boko Haram in North-West Nigeria have attacked residents of Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi and Katsina. Ofoma (2023) points out that banditry negatively impacts socioeconomic development. They added that bandits have a strong capability to confront government security forces.…”

“…In July 2019, the bandits shot at one of its military aircraft, but the pilot was able to eject safely (Akinyetun, 2004). Another incident occurred in 2019 when bandits breached the safety and security of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna, killing soldiers (Ofoma, 2023). In efforts to contain banditry, the governments of South Africa and Lesotho deployed Police officers at Maseru (the border of South Africa and Lesotho) to control insecurity, but banditry continued.…”