ABSTRACT
For more than a decade, banditry has been a significant source of instability in Nigeria’s Northwestern geopolitical zone. Banditry has impacted almost every aspect of human existence, including Nigeria’s national security. The purpose of this research is to explain, examine and evaluate the origin, causes and suggested solutions to National Security issues and challenges in Zamfara State of Nigeria. To explain the impact of Banditry on National security. The research will highlight the ongoing concern, challenges and proffer solutions. The setback of the intelligence community to curtail the current security breaches. Zamfara State has been faced with so many crimes from Banditry including Robbery, Cattle rustling , Kidnapping , Farmer herder clashes , Murder , Rape e.t.c . Some views believed that Banditry in Zamfara State were Politically motivated. Banditry has become an appealing method of income in Zamfara State where poor governance, youth unemployment, poverty and inequality has left people with depleted options for livelihood. The porous of the border aided the proliferation of small arms and light weapons amongst bandit groups.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
As a result of a series of crises and instability that have plagued Nigeria in recent years, many people have died and property has been destroyed. According to Ezeoha (2011), “Security involves stability and consistency of livelihood, predictable relationships, feeling secure, and belonging to a social group. ” The act of maintaining peace inside the boundaries of a sovereign state or other self-governing areas may be considered as internal security, which is connected to security. Generally, this is accomplished through enforcing the laws of the land and fighting against internal threats. The government, paramilitary groups, and, in rare cases, the military itself may be tasked with maintaining domestic security.
There’s an antithesis between security and insecurity, and that is insecurity. It has been given a variety of meanings based on how it affects different people. More specific terms for insecurity include: risk; hazard; uncertainty; lack of confidence; shaky; insufficiently guarded or protected, and unsure. Among the many others: Insecurity has been defined in a variety of ways by a variety of individuals. These many definitions all point to the same thing: a condition of vulnerability to damage and the destruction of one’s life, possessions, or financial security. A lack of security, as described by Beland (2005), is one that is “the condition of worry or anxiety that results from a physical or alleged absence of protection.” Lack of or insufficient protection from harm is the gist of the phrase.
To address the country’s insecurity, Oshodi (2011) recommends that the discipline of psychology be given the highest priority in policy creation and execution in order to create national cohesion and integration.
In any case, it is safe to say that since the April 2011 presidential elections, Nigeria has had more ethnic-religious-political crises than at any other time in its history, typified by the Boko-Haram religious sect’s suicide bombings. Terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and other violent crimes have surged to unprecedented levels in recent years. This attack does not spare religious leaders, churches, or mosques. If the current level of insecurity persists, Nigeria will undoubtedly become a failed state. This much is certain.
