The proliferation of violence in the ungoverned spaces : A study of bandits in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Since 2011, banditry has posed a significant security challenge in Zamfara state, resulting in substantial loss of life, rampant kidnapping for ransom, extensive property damage, and dire humanitarian conditions. Previous literature has examined banditry through the lense of material and business conflicts, focusing on issues such as the farmers-herdsmen conflict, criminality, and poverty. However, there remains a notable gap in empirical research regarding the role of sociocultural factors in the emergence of banditry within Zamfara state’s ungoverned spaces. Consequently, this study aims to examine the role of bandits’ identity, interests, and collective shared understanding in the emergence and escalation of banditry in the state. Employing comprehensive qualitative methods, including interviews and focus group discussions, the research seeks to gain deeper insights into the roles played by identity, interests, and collective shared understanding in the emergence and escalation of banditry in the state. The study employs a constructionist thematic analysis approach. Drawing on constructivist principles, the findings indicate that the emergence and escalation of banditry in Zamfara state were due to the influence of bandits’ identities, interests, and collective shared understanding. Their recurrent attacks stem from feelings of frustration, alienation, exclusion, and marginalization from mainstream society. These factors have shaped the development of bandits’ identity, interests, and collective shared understanding. Consequently, the state has experienced significant casualties, rampant kidnapping, extensive property destruction of properties, appalling humanitarian conditions, and a substantial breakdown in the social relations structure in the state. The study recommends gradually fostering confidence through efficient security measures while simultaneously rehabilitating the social relations structure to mitigate bandits’ frustration, alienation, exclusion, and marginalization in the state. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for further research into the broader cultural influences on the emergence, escalation, and management of banditry not only in Zamfara state but also across northwestern Nigeria.