REVISITING THE DYNAMICS OF RANSOM COLLECTION BY ARMED BANDIT’S IN THE NORTH-WEST, NIGERIA

Authors

  • Anas Sani Anka, PhD* Department of History & International Studies, Federal University Gusau Author
  • Masu’d Bello, PhD Department of History & International Studies, Federal University Gusau Author

Keywords:

Armed Banditry, Kidnapping for Ransom, Security Challenges, North-West Nigeria, Counter-Terrorism Policy.

Abstract

This position paper examines the multi-dynamic nature of ransom collection by some groups of armed bandits in Nigeria’s North-West and its consequential effects on the security and safety of the state's citizens. It provides some historical insights into the trends along which banditry transformed into kidnapping business in Nigeria and why the fight against armed banditry conflict has failed for almost a decade now. It also provides some statistical data about defense budgets and allocations of security votes by some states in Nigeria and why the menace of armed banditry and kidnapping for ransom has not reduced despite the huge investment claimed to have been made by governments in Nigeria. The paper adopted a mixed research methodology of literature review and field interviews with a view to comparing the strengths of the data collected from the field and its connection with the subject matter under discussion.

 

References

1. Anka A. S (2025) Highway Banditry Along Zamfara-Funtua Road and its Impacts on the Socio-economic Development of Zamfara and Katsina Communities, Seminar Paper presented at a one-day interaction on State and Economyin the wake of Armed Banditry Crises Organized by Nigerian Youth Parliament, Zamfara State Wing held at Karma Hotel, Gusau, 23rd November 2024.

2. Anka A. S (2025), Governance and Insecurity in Nigeria since 1999: Perspective on Armed Banditry, in Patric I. Ukase, Ayemga Tor, Iveren B. Thaddeus Ed, Democracy and Development in Nigeria in a Multidisciplinary Conversation. ISBN.078-978-8576-36-0

3. BBC Pidgin (2024), 2.2 trillion naira ransom payment to kidnappers within one year raises serious concern, online version, retrieved from https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/cj49wjz10p7o.amp

4. Jimoh Joy (2024), Nigerians' 12-month ransom payment surpasses defense budget, (online version), Business Day, retrieved from https://www.google.com/amp/s/businessday.ng/news/article/nigerians-12-month-ransom-payment-surpasses-defense-budget/%3famp

5. Kehinde Ogunyale (2024), N2 Trillion paid by Nigerians as Ransom despite N9 trillion Security Allocation, (Online Version) retrieved from https://dataphyte.com/latest-reports/security/%E2%82%A62-trillion-paid-by-nigerians-as-ransom-despite-%E2%82%A69-trillion-security-allocation/

6. Kabiru Musa (2025) Aged 44, Interview conducted at his residence in Damba Area of Zamfara State, 19th day of March 2025

7. Laminu Muh’d (2025) aged (46), Interview conducted at his residence in Damba Housing Quarters, Gusau, Zamfara State, 1st th March 2025,

8. Micheal C. (2024), Top 7 States with the Highest Number of Kidnappings in Nigeria, (Online Version) Business Day, retrieved from https://www.google.com/amp/s/businessday.ng/news/article/nigerians-12-month-ransom-payment-surpasses-defense-budget/%3famp

9. Nura Ola (2025) Aged 42, Interview conducted at his residence in Tsafe Area of Zamfara State, 1st day of January 2025.

10. Sani Wuya (2025), Aged 55, Interview conducted at his residence in Damba Area of Zamfara State, 19th day of March 2025.

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Published

2025-12-24

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

REVISITING THE DYNAMICS OF RANSOM COLLECTION BY ARMED BANDIT’S IN THE NORTH-WEST, NIGERIA. (2025). World Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2(12), 54-58. https://wasrpublication.com/index.php/wjms/article/view/264