Analysis of Government Response to Curb Banditry in Nigeria

Abstract

Banditry is a significant challenge faced by the government in Nigeria. The government has also employed several strategies to curb it. However, previous research has focused on the causes and effects of banditry in Nigeria, and there have been few or no studies on the government's response to curbing banditry in Nigeria. This study is unique as it uses primary data to analyze the government's strategies (including those of the federal and state governments) to curb banditry in Nigeria, and further identifies the challenges hindering the government from curbing banditry in Nigeria. The primary data was obtained through an in-depth interview with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), also known as Amotekun, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and legislators in the National Assembly. The data collected was analyzed through descriptive content analysis. The findings of the study showed that both the federal and state governments had employed several strategies to curb banditry in Nigeria, including deploying security forces to insecure areas, increasing funding for the military to purchase hardware, training, and other logistics as well as the introduction of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) as a solution to the conflict between herders and farmers, the declaration of bandits as terrorist groups, the formation of a state security system and the ban on open grazing in some states. The study identified centralization of the security system, availability of ungoverned forest, and inadequate border security as the major challenges hindering the government from curbing banditry in Nigeria.