Dissecting armed banditry in Northern Nigeria: evolution, trajectories and state responses

This paper examines armed banditry not only as an inherent form of violence but also as a catalyst for reconstituting violent conflicts within the evolving landscape of northern Nigeria. Adopting qualitative methods, with 31 Key Informant Interviews and 6 Focus Group Discussions in the 3 of the most affected LGAs in Zamfara State, the findings reveal that various forms of violence intersect in complex ways with armed banditry, highlighting crucial implications for understanding the spectrums and trajectories of conflicts in the region. Although the government's counter-banditry program, which employs military reconnaissance and raids, is praiseworthy, operational challenges, particularly a lack of expertise in the region's topography, have impeded its effectiveness. Consequently, the study recommends moving beyond state-centric responses to embrace community-based initiatives and dialogues addressing the longstanding perceived marginalisation and exclusion of populations susceptible to bandit recruitment.