Banditry, Herder-Farmers Conflicts and Implications on National Security in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper undertakes a discourse on the crime-conflict “nexus”: Banditry, Herder-farmers Conflicts and Implications on National Security in Nigeria, using frustration-aggression and relative deprivation theories as a guide and defines the key concepts for a better understanding of the issues under consideration. It further examines background issues and challenges that factors the causes of banditry, herder-farmers conflicts in Nigeria. The paper observed that, inspite of the scale of violence attack by bandits, herder-farmers clashes and the significant toll of its implications on women and children, is yet to receive sufficient policy response. The lapses of government efficiency in fighting insecurity, armed banditry were highlighted by this article. We therefore, concluded by encouraging government on the need for reforms, to domesticate the relevant laws on security and to adequately fund the relevant agencies. Also, it offer policy recommendations among others, establishment of Peace Corp to enlist, mobilize, train, orientate and provide gainful employment to youths in order to develop them as agent of social order for peace and stability.