Conceptual analysis of the implications of rural banditry and its implications in Nigeria: A study of the northern region

Abstract

This paper conceptually analyses the phenomenon of rural banditry and its implications in Nigeria. The paper is descriptive and anchored on routine activity theory. The materials used for the paper were obtained from secondary sources, including published journal articles, textbooks, and other materials from internet sources relevant to the topic. The researcher posits that the current insecurity situation in many parts of Nigerian society manifesting in the spate of rural banditry, and other violent crimes has assumed a worrisome dimension across the country, with prominence in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Niger States, among others. The researcher identified poverty, unemployment and injustice among others, as the causes of increasing rural banditry in Nigerian society resulting to socio-economic decline, unwanted migration, loss of lives and valuable properties. The paper recommends among others the, need for governments in partnership with non-governmental organizations, well-to-do individuals, and community stake-holders to effectively eradicate the prevalence of poverty occasioned by unemployment and injustice which facilitates armed banditry and other violent activities in Nigeria