Banditry and Ungoverned Spaces in Nigeria: A Case Study of Kaduna and Zamfara States

Abstract

Bandits perpetrate acts of banditry such as kidnapping, rape, wanton killing and so on.
They perpetrate these acts while trans-locating from place to place, traversing the
rugged outskirts of states called ungoverned spaces which they convert as their place of
abode. These spaces are used by bandits as safe havens for living, planning, training
and indoctrinating, securing access to weapons and equipment and engaging in illegal
smuggling. Bandits find the environment conducive due to its rugged terrains, complex
mass of ridges, arid climatic conditions, crisscrossing seasonal streams and rivers as
well as adequate cover from observation and direct fire from state forces. The objective
of this paper is to examine the effect of the existence of banditry on the ungoverned
spaces of Kaduna and Zamfara states. The environmental crime theory was applied
while relying on interviews (anonymous identity) and extensive secondary data in the
paper. The effects of this menace which was found to be depletion of tourisms, and
reduction in foods production, among others. The efforts of governments at all levels to
curb the menace of banditry and recover the ungoverned spaces were discussed while
proffering viable ways forward, which include synergy of efforts by governments of the
two states to combat the menace and enhancement of the judicial system amongst
others, as appropriate recommendations for dealing with the menace.