A Critical Appraisal of Armed Banditry and the Crisis of Governance in Nigeria

Abstract

This work essentially examined the menace of armed banditry as it affects the North[1]western Nigeria. The paper adopts decision making theory as a theoretical framework. This by implication, recognizes the importance of decision making processes by the political actors and decision makers in curbing the menace of banditry. The paper adopts the use of secondary data as it sources of data and therefore relied heavily on materials such as books, journals, online materials and news bulletins. The paper tries to identify the possible causes of armed banditry and other related security challenges, how the menace negatively affects the lives of the people concerned and the generality of the citizens. And above all, the implications of armed banditry on the political, social and economic spheres of Nigeria. Finally, the paper made some recommendations on the menace of armed banditry such as: Poverty should be urgently addressed especially in rural areas, there should be collaboration among the federal, State and Local Governments in the effort to combat banditry, more funds and equipment should be provided to the security agencies, opportunity should be provided for the youth to cover up with innovative peace building activities.