FACTORS AFFECTING ARMED BANDITRY AND FOOD SECURITY IN ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Armed banditry in Zamfara State has evolved from a form of rural criminality into sophisticated organised armed criminal groups that threaten food security and national security. This study investigates the factors facilitating this escalation between 2015 and 2025. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, data were collected from 400 stakeholders across seven local government areas (LGAs) most affected by armed banditry in the state. The analysis utilised descriptive statistics, specifically mean scores and standard deviations, and the results were presented using bar charts. The findings identified poor border management (84.2%), the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) (79.0%), illegal mining (68.4%), competition over land resources (76.3%), and political factors (63.1%) as the primary drivers of armed banditry in Zamfara State. The study recommends the deployment of electronic surveillance systems and armed drones for border monitoring and the policing of ungoverned spaces. It further recommends the establishment of disarmament, demobilisation, and rehabilitation programmes to curb the proliferation of SALWs. In addition, proper regulation of mining activities in the state is advocated in order to deprive bandits of illicit sources of funding.