The Effects of Armed Banditry on Perpetrators, Victims and Law Enforcement Responses in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The rise of armed banditry in Zamfara State and across Northwestern Nigeria has significantly undermined socio-economic and political activities in the region. This study examines the effects of armed banditry on perpetrators, victims, and the responses of law enforcement agencies in Zamfara State. A total of 250 respondents participated in the study through questionnaire administration, while ten (10) in-depth interviews were conducted. The sample size was determined using a multistage sampling technique. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were transcribed and thematically interpreted. The findings reveal that armed banditry has severely disrupted farming, commercial activities, and social life, including festivals and school attendance. Additionally, residents, victims, and relatives of victims experience significant psychological trauma resulting from repeated incidents of banditry. The study further establishes that banditry negatively affects the supply and delivery of basic amenities within the affected communities. Strain-anomie theory served as the theoretical framework for the study. Based on these findings, the study recommends that government authorities address the underlying issues of unemployment, poverty, and the long-standing neglect of border communities. Improving socio-economic conditions in these areas would not only enhance residents’ well-being but also reduce the likelihood of individuals turning to criminal activities as a means of survival.