THREATS OF RURAL BANDITRY ON HUMAN AND FOOD SECURITY IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The research is on rural banditry on human and food security, in Niger State, Nigeria. The research design for the study is a descriptive survey method; a sample of 90 respondents was drawn from the three most affected local government areas where rural banditry strives in the state. The questionnaire was used as major instrument for collection of primary data; in-depth
interviews were also conducted by the researcher to elicit further information from respondents. Secondary data was sourced from books, journals, newspapers and online peer reviewed materials. The routine activity theory was adopted to explain rural banditry in Niger State. Findings suggested that kidnapping for ransom, mining activities, collection of farmlands amongst
others were major causes of the phenomenon while the loss of lives, farmlands, psychological depression amongst others were discovered to be the major effects of rural banditry in the State. The study recommended the provision of more sophisticated detection equipment in the rural areas for early detection of arrival and settlement of bandits in the forestlands, provision of more sophisticated arms and ammunition to the security forces to eliminate the bandits in order to enhance human and food security.