THE EMERGENCE OF BANDITRY IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA: TRENDS AND CHALLENGES IN KWARA STATE

Abstract

Banditry has become one of the most persistent security issues in the North Central region of Nigeria. However, limited attention has been given to Kwara State in academic analysis, whereas there is a clear sign of increased violence since 2017. This research focuses on the prevalence, temporal dynamics, geographical dispersion and causative factors of banditry in Kwara State between the years 2015 and 2023. It also explores the institutional security responses and identifies the lapses. Based on the Routine Activity Theory, the study used a mixed-methods design to combine the data of the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) database, the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), and interviews with eighteen key informants selected purposively. Results indicate a sharp increase in incidents of 2019, most of which occurred within the local government areas that border Kogi and Ekiti States. The most common typology of incidents is kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery and cattle rustling. The main factors responsible for this include competition for land and water resources, porous frontier areas, youth unemployment, and a lack of security institutions. The paper concludes by recommending that hunters' associations and vigilante networks need to be formalised through registration, basic training and empowerment at the community level. Furthermore, at the federal level, there should be a North Central Inter-State Security Coordination Council covering Kwara, Kogi, Ekiti, and Niger States.