AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CATTLE RUSTLING AND BANDITRY IN ZAMFARA STATE, NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Cattle rustling and Banditry has become major threat to security and social life in Nigeria especially the northwest region, with far reaching political, economic, and social consequences. All efforts to end this security menace had remained fruitless as cattle rustling and banditry continue to thrive with impunity in the country. The main objective of the study is to assess the causes and effects of cattle rustling and banditry in North[1]western Nigeria with particular reference to Zamfara State. primary and secondary data was used to generate relevant information. The study found out that some of the causes of the menace of cattle rustling and banditry is as a result of ungoverned space which serves as hideouts for the criminals, weak security system, porosityof the borders, and armsproliferations. Also, the effects of cattle rustling and banditry identified are; killing and destruction of property, displacement of people and destruction of livelihoods. The study therefore recommended that Government should provide adequate security to improve the socio-economic condition of the people in Zamfara State. Government should provide basic amenities and economic support to those affected by the criminality in the State.