Banditry and the relocation of rural communities in Northcentral Nigeria

Abstract

Banditry remains one of the most pressing security challenges in many parts of North-Central Nigeria, extending well beyond the traditionally studied North-West and North-East conflict zones. In states like Niger, Kwara, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kogi, a convergence of armed bandit activities, significantly affecting the stability and livelihoods of rural communities. Persistent attacks, killings, kidnapping, and destruction of property have forced many households to abandon their ancestral homes in search of safer environments. This paper examines the relationship between banditry and the relocation of rural communities in North-Central Nigeria, with particular attention to the patterns, drivers, and socio-economic effects of displacement. The paper seeks to identify how insecurity influences migration decisions and the strategies adopted by affected communities. Using secondary data obtained from academic journals, government reports, security briefings, and media sources on banditry and displacement in North-Central Nigeria. The data will be analysed through thematic content analysis. The paper is anchored on the Push-Pull Migration Theory and Human Security Theory. The paper reveals that banditry has significantly contributed to the forced relocation of rural populations across several communities in NorthCentral Nigeria. Many households have migrated to nearby towns and urban centers, while others have moved to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. The paper further indicates that the destruction of farmlands, fear of repeated attacks, and loss of livelihood are the major drivers of relocation. In addition, displaced communities face numerous challenges in their new locations,
including unemployment, food insecurity, inadequate shelter, and limited access to social services. The paper therefore recommends stronger security interventions, community-based conflict management strategies, and sustainable resettlement policies to address the growing problem of forced relocation in banditry-affected rural areas.