EXPLORING THE LINKS BETWEEN RURAL BANDITRY AND DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES IN NORTH CENTRE NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria's rural communities face formidable foe: rural banditry.
This widespread phenomenon, characterized by armed robbery,
kidnapping, cattle rustling, and violent attacks, not only wreaks
havoc on lives and livelihoods but also poses a significant obstacle
to the nation's developmental aspirations. This paper aims to
examine the relationship between rural banditry and
developmental challenges in north-centre region. The region has
been plagued by rampant criminal activities, including banditry,
which has significantly undermined socio-economic development
efforts. By investigating the underlying causes and consequences
of rural banditry, this paper intends to shed light on the complex
dynamics involved and suggest potential strategies for sustainable
development and conflict resolution. The paper analyse the
phenomenon of banditry in north-centre Nigeria using frustration
and aggression theories. The method of this study is qualitative
and descriptive. Data were generated through secondary sources
extracted from library and official sources including books,
journals, magazines and online materials. The paper recommend
that federal and state government must show high level of
commitment to war against banditry by embracing advance
security technology and putting in place functional security
system, like community policing, proper utilisation of vigilantes
who understand the terrain more than the security agent to
complement the operation of other security agencies in the state.
.