Addressing Banditry in Nigeria's North West: Excerpts from the Actors

Abstract

This study explores strategies to address banditry, a critical security challenge in Northwestern Nigeria. This phenomenon significantly hampers the country's development across economic, political, social, educational, and other human development sectors. The primary objective is to investigate the bandits' perspectives on combating insecurity in the region. The research utilizes Participatory Research (PR) theory, incorporating research designs, methods, and frameworks that engage with those directly impacted by the issue for actionable change. This approach involves analyzing inputs from various sources, including interviews with active and repentant bandits, victims of banditry, and media content such as video clips, audio recordings, telephone conversations, and online and published media. The study concludes that eradicating armed banditry is achievable with genuine commitment. It recommends that the government should effectively evaluate and implement proposed strategies to curb this threat in the region and nationwide. Additionally, the government should heed the populace's voices, considering the demands of both bandits and victims. Establishing robust mechanisms for reintegrating bandits into society, including creating a welcoming environment for their return, is also crucial.