DOI: 10.36347/sjebm.2022.v09i11.001

Pages: 247-256

Banditry crisis in Nigeria is one of the reasons for the emergence of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the creation of Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps (IDPCs). From the point of view of political economy approach, bandits attack as a result of many factors ranging from poverty and unemployment to the proliferation of arms as well as the desire to belong to the society. Managing this crisis has been difficult for the Nigerian state as adequate attention is not given to the situation; thus the increased number of displaced persons on daily basis. The study made use of secondary sources of data collection. It was discovered that banditry imposes untold hardship on the people; affecting their means of livelihood and exposing them to illegal means of sustenance. It has led to loss of lives and properties, undermined the security, peace and development of the Nigerian state and made women vulnerable to many societal ills. Efforts made by stakeholders to combat the scourge have not yielded the desired result. The paper thus recommends among others that, the over-dependence on the military to fight banditry is not the solution to the menace. There is the need to address the root causes of the banditry crisis which include poverty, unemployment, weak security system, the fragility of the Nigerian state, proliferation of arms and corruption. The government therefore should provide job opportunities for the youths; a conducive environment for the Internally Displaced Persons and plan ahead for them to return to their various homes. The government also should effectively monitor and secure the Nigerian borders with the neighbouring countries to checkmate illegal migration of people and arms proliferation. The government should re-orientate the people on ethical values and reverence for life and human rights.