The Rising Insecurity In Nigeria: Interogating The Linkage Between Poverty And Banditry

Abstract

Security creates an environment in which people in an economy can set goals and invest in their future and where social bonds and institutions are strengthened, which leads to economic growth and development. The paper went into detail about the rise of insecurity in Nigeria and how security threats and banditry are linked to the country's high poverty level. Even though poverty is not the only reason why people in Nigeria engage in banditry and other related crimes. Poverty was identified as a major cause in the paper. Other reasons cited include religion and a lack of education, both of which may be indirectly related to poverty. According to the study, banditry has direct consequences such as the destruction of lives and property and the displacement of people, as well as indirect consequences such as a decrease in foreign investment, a widening in the production gap of food items, a spike in food prices, deterioration of educational institutions, and loss of confidence of local and foreign investors, among others. Banditry is worsening Nigeria's poverty situation. The study concludes that insecurity threatens not only the affected Northern region of Nigeria, but also the country's overall growth and development. To address the insurgency problem in Nigeria, the government should focus not only on combating insecurity through militancy, but also on developing human capital and empowering the youth.