Abstract
The research investigated the rising incidence of banditry and kidnapping in the north-western Nigeria. The research objectives are to: identify the factors responsible for banditry and kidnapping in North-western Nigeria; examine the consequences of banditry and kidnapping in the North-western Nigeria; and suggest effective policies for fighting banditry and kidnapping in the region. Social Disorganisation Theory (also known as Cultural Transmission Theory) was used to explain the rising rates of armed banditry and kidnapping in the north-western Nigeria. The theory examines how urban environmental conditions influence crime rates. Methodologically, the study is descriptive research design and adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative evidence from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). A total of 312 questionnaires were administered, of which 301 were successfully retrieved, alongside 17 qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings reveal that poverty, unemployment, low educational attainment, weak law enforcement, political neglect, environmental stress, and the proliferation of armed groups are key drivers of banditry and kidnapping. The study further shows that these crimes have resulted in widespread loss of lives, displacement of communities, disruption of agricultural production, school closures, economic decline, and pervasive fear among residents. Respondents expressed low confidence in government effectiveness, despite recognising the role of local security support and community-based initiatives. The study concludes that banditry and kidnapping are rooted in structural socio-economic deprivation and weakened community and institutional control. The paper recommends a holistic response that integrates strengthened security operations with community policing, youth employment and skills development, educational revitalisation, anti-corruption reforms, and arms control measures to achieve sustainable peace and security in Northwestern Nigeria.