Banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria: exploring non-traditional approaches to enhance security reliability

Abstract

This paper examines non-traditional approaches to enhancing security reliability in Nigeria, with a specific focus on combating banditry and kidnapping. The core objective was achieved through the analysis of secondary data sourced from national and international journals, relevant textbooks, and official government gazettes. This evaluative research employs conflict transformation theory and critical security studies theory as its theoretical framework. The study finds that non-traditional security approaches have significantly contributed to addressing banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria, particularly through community engagement, socio-economic development, and conflict resolution. However, their effectiveness has been limited by challenges such as lack of coordination, resource constraints, and inadequate addressing of structural injustices. The paper recommends integrating task forces, investing in technology-driven solutions, supporting community-led peace-building initiatives that promote dialogue and reconciliation at the grassroots level, and implementing targeted socio-economic development programs to address the underlying drivers of banditry and kidnapping, including poverty, unemployment, and marginalization.