BANDITRY IN NIGERIA: A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

 

Before the year 2010 marks the beginning of banditry in Nigeria, while in the year 2011, whereby there was a conflict between the Fulani and the Hausa, a conflict that can be traced back to herd farmers which led to cattle rustling, communal conflict, and armed robbery. Armed groups in states like Zamfara, Kastina, Sokoto, and Kaduna state started carrying out organized attacks.These attacks were often linked to dispute between farmers, herders,and illegal mining etc.As time goes on these attacks evolved into large scale kidnapping, attacking of villages/communities, mass killing, and attacks on school which makes it one of Nigeria's security threat.

        As we all know Nigeria is a blessed country. A country blessed with a lot of human and natural resources, but even with all these resources banditry is still the order of the day in the security aspect. These recent bandits attacks on educational centers, churches, farmlands, villages/communities, highways has led to the loss of life and properties of many,fear in the masses, and alot of security problems that will continue to grow. Right now many Nigerians are trying their best to be extra careful and always be aware of their loved ones where about at all times, just for safety reasons.

         Banditry can be referred to as organized violent crimes committed by individuals or groups for personal gains. These violent attacks include:kidnapping for ransom,attacks in villages, attacks in educational centers,attacks in farmlands and robbery, and these activities are done by people we call bandits. And most of these bandits could be either from within the country or the neighbouring country. 

       In recent times, bandits now invade schools, creating fear among teachers,and learners in schools. Traveling or lonely highways has become scary due to bandits hijacking lives and properties on bad spots on the highways. Most of these violent attacks or invasions took place in states like, Zamfara, Kastina, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger state. These States have been mostly affected, and these attacks have led to many families, villages or communities, schools, even churches to suffer a great loss.

      The causes of this banditry that is going on must also be addressed. Several factors contributed to the rise of banditry in Nigeria. Some of them are: poverty and unemployment, weak security systems,and spreading/providing of small arms and light weapons etc.

   First of all,the Nigerian government has to address the case of poverty and unemployment in the country that has led to the rise of banditry. The high rate of poverty and unemployment has pushed many young people into criminal activities. Due to the lack of job opportunities, cost of living, and lack of economic opportunities has made some individuals vulnerable to recruitment by bandit groups.

       Secondly the Nigerian government needs to focus on the weak security system in the country. Because insufficient equipment for protection of the masses, inadequate manpower, poor intelligence gathering due to the high level of illiteracy have limited the ability of security agencies to effectively combat these bandits.

     Thirdly the easy availability of illegal weapons has strengthened the operation of bandits, making them organised, and it has increased the level of violence in affected areas. All this is due to the spreading or providing of small arms and light weapons. Many of the weapons used by bandits are believed to enter the country through illegal arms trafficking networks.

    Also the same way there are causes of banditry,there are also effects or consequences of banditry. Banditry has had a lot of serious consequences on the Nigeria national security and development. Some of these include:loss of lives and properties, economic set back, weakening of education e.t.c.

      Firstly the constant loss of lives and properties,due to the continuous act whereby these bandits attack schools, communities, churches,farm lands, and businesses,has led to thousands of people being killed, while many homes, farms and businesses have been destroyed due to their attacks.

       In Plateau State,in June 20th, 2026, over 43 people were killed in coordinated attacks across the states. Heavily armed bandits attacked the Kawel and Kopkon communities in Bokkos LGA, killing 18 people. This is a vivid example of how the attacks of these bandits are leading to the loss of lives in a community.

       Secondly these attacks that are being done by these bandits have led to a major economic setback. Banditry has disputed agricultural activities,trade, and investment. Agriculture in Nigeria is the main source of livelihood for many rural communities. Due to these attacks, farmers are afraid to go to their farms due to the fear of being killed or kidnapped.

       On the 13th of June 2026, there was an attack on farmers where no fewer than 17 farmers were killed,and several others were injured in the attack by suspected bandits in Goran Namaye village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara state. These attacks do not just affect the farmers alone, but also the consumers. And when agricultural activities decline, the economy suffers as well.

        Lastly, these attacks weaken the educational sectors because it is suffering a great loss due to these bandits attacks. Frequent attacks on schools and kidnapping of students disrupt their learning process.

         On the 16th of June 2026, the Kogi State government confirmed the killing of a notorious bandit leader, Kachala Ibrahim Batijo,who was allegedly responsible for masterminding a recent attack in a school in Iluke Bunu Kabba,Bunu LGA. Via this attack on the school in lluke Bunu,resulted in the death of three people including a vice principal and a six year old child. Due to these attacks the educational sectors are suffering greatly because of these continuous attacks, kidnapping, and killing of both students,and staffs.

         The Nigeria government has made efforts to address the problem through military operation and security intervention, not only the government will fight against these bandits,but also people like traditional rulers, religious leaders,youth groups, and local organizations. This is what we can refer to as community participation.

         In conclusion, i also believe that the Nigerian government needs to strengthen and equip the security agencies with more technology and adequate man power to curb banditry. And also the government should invest more in the creation of employment opportunities, education,skill acquisition,job creation programs to help in the reduction of the number of people who turn to crime. And if the cause of banditry is  being addressed, Nigeria can move closer to becoming a more safe and secured nation for all its citizens.

Written by:

OLUWOLE FAVOUR

(Department of English and Literary Studies, Delta State University, Abraka)