Civilian perspectives on banditry and human insecurity in Northwest Nigeria: a case study of Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State

This paper examines the perspectives of citizens directly affected by banditry and human (in)security. Their problems are further aggravated by the globalization of terrorism and pro-liferation of small arms within the Sahel region, of which northwest Nigeria forms a part. The case study is located in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna state This study concentrates on civilian perspectives and experiences, and on mitigation strategies in terms of how peace and stability can be restored in this region. Fieldwork consisted of structured interviews conducted on-line, with a research assistant. Seventeen (17) respond-ents, comprising community members in Birnin Gwari LGA, were interviewed. None were community leaders, all were ordinary farmers. One camp leader was also interviewed, and three academics working in this field. The findings revealed that the social and economic impacts on residents of the LGA included loss of shelter, lack of food, clothing, reduced social gatherings, deaths and broken families. It was also discovered that a series of efforts had been made and were on-going by the communities themselves and by government. The causes of banditry were identified by those interviewed, as poverty, unemployment, ethnic crises, farmer-herder clashes and political interests. The study concludes, based on the find-ings, that solutions should incorporate job creation schemes, community policing and re-newed political will from the government to find sustainable solutions to the banditry affect-ing civilians in Birnin Gwari LGA.