Nigeria’s persistent insecurity, marked by insurgency, farmer–herder conflicts, and banditry, has fostered the proliferation of vigilante groups. In January 2024, the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore launched the Fulani Nomad Volunteer Vigilante Group (NVVG) to address cattle rustling, kidnapping, and rural insecurity. This study interrogates the drivers, political context, and potential implications of its formation. Anchored on social contract theory and state fragility framework, it argues that state failure to provide security and equitable justice fuels ethnically aligned security initiatives. Data was obtained through qualitative documentary analysis of media reports, policy documents, academic literature, and expert commentaries. It revealed that while the NVVG may provide localized protection and employment, it risks legitimizing illegality, fueling arms proliferation, exacerbating ethnic tensions, and undermining state authority. The article concludes that without robust regulation and oversight, ethnically based vigilante formations could deepen Nigeria’s insecurity and fragment national cohesion.

Cattle value chain is relevant to the livelihood of people in Delta State, Nigeria, yet vulnerable to unsecured environment. Empirical information on the effect of farmers/herders` conflict on the income of cattle value chain actors is scanty in Delta State. This study examined the effect of farmers/herders` conflict on the livelihood (income) of cattle value chain actors; Primary data, collected with questionnaire from 200 cattle value chain actors, were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. Major causes of conflict identified included crop destruction, lack of grazing reserves, land ownership disputes, and poor conflict governance. Regression results show that cattle rustling, kidnapping, killing, and rape cases significantly (P≤0.05) reduced the income of cattle value chain actors. The results further indicate that the monthly mean income of traders decreased from ₦267,260 before the conflict to ₦244,760 during the conflict. The structure of cattle trade analysis revealed moderate to high market concentration, while income inequality among cattle traders increased during conflict periods, with the Gini coefficient rising from 0.35 (before conflict) to 0.52 (during conflict). Majority of both herders and traders perceived that the existence of grazing reserves would significantly improve cattle traders` income, trade volume, and market accessibility. We found sufficient evidence to conclude that farmers/herders` conflict to large extent determines the livelihood/income of cattle value chain actors in Delta State, Nigeria. The study recommended the establishment and effective management of grazing reserves and ranching systems as a sustainable strategy for improving cattle trade performance.

ABSTRACT This study analyses the transformation of cattle theft into a financing strategy for non-state armed groups operating in the Sahel. Using Michael Porter’s value-chain framework, it breaks down the stages, actors, and financial flows of this illicit economy in the Gao region. The research draws on 20 semi-structured interviews with herders, traders, and local stakeholders conducted between May and June 2025. The findings show that cattle rustling revolves around five main activities: procurement, transformation, distribution, sale, and financing. These are supported by four activities that strengthen the economy’s durability: organizational structure, human resource management, communication technology, and purchased complicity.

Cattle rustling and armed banditry have been a serious security concern in Katsina state since 2010. The state government has employed various policies, including collaboration with the federal government, to address the issues; however, attacks by rustlers/bandits remain unabated. This study aims to explore the challenges facing state and federal governments in addressing the security problems. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach. The primary data were gathered through a field survey. A sample size of 384 questionnaires, structured based on both open-ended and closed-ended questions, was administered as instruments for data collection in the eight local government areas that were purposely selected. Stakeholders from the state committee on cattle rustling, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, academicians, and security personnel, including the military, police, and civil defense corps, were also interviewed. The study used content and descriptive analyses methods to present the findings through graphs and percentages. The results revealed that a weak security system (22%) stemmed from inadequate funding, outdated equipment, insufficient personnel, and unpatriotic attitudes among some officers. Poor governance (44%) was manifested in inadequate policy implementation, a lack of political will, corruption, and the politicization of insecurity. And, socio-economic challenges (27%), including poverty, unemployment, mistrust, and inadequate social amenities, are the major factors undermining the state and federal governments’ efforts in tackling the insecurity problems. The study concluded that these issues have rendered their efforts ineffective and incapable of addressing the problems. Thus, it is recommended to adopt non-coercive strategies that must be all-inclusive as an alternative to resolving the insecurity challenges in Katsina State.

Theft of livestock is regarded as a serious crime in Kenya and Botswana. This paper explores the police response regarding cattle theft in both countries, with special emphasis on whether the laws in these jurisdictions are effective in curbing cattle rustling. The paper is based on a desk review of legal texts, data, and approaches drawn from court and police statistics. The findings suggest that despite both countries implementing initiatives such as special police units and community-policing, their responses to livestock theft differs in the two countries. Botswana’s notable success stories have been achieved through the ‘Kgomo Khumo’ anti-stock theft unit and and the use of RFID technology for livestock tracking, supported by better technological infrastructure and active community participation. In contrast, Kenya’s Anti-Stock Theft Unit has faced challenges, including limited community support and cross-border militia activities. Though both countries have well-developed legal frameworks, Botswana’s inclusion of customary law courts provides an enforcement mechanism that respects local culture - an aspect that is lacking in Kenya’s approach. The study concludes that the success of anti-stock theft strategies depends on community engagement, the adoption of modern technology, and the integration of traditional legal systems. The paper recommends that Kenya incorporate some form of traditional law court into it’s legal system and work toward strengthening and harmonizing legal response across the region.

ABSTRACT Banditry in Nigeria involves violent criminal activities such as armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and cattle rustling in both urban and rural settings. In recent years, rural banditry has become a particularly severe form of violence, threatening livelihoods, safety, and the socio-economic fabric of rural communities. What began as sporadic criminal acts has evolved into a sustained crisis marked by coordinated village attacks, mass abductions, and population displacement. This study examines the evolution and impacts of rural banditry in Nigeria using Situational Action Theory (SAT) to analyse how individual criminal propensities interact with enabling environmental and structural conditions. The research adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on data collected in 2022 through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews conducted across affected communities in eight purposively selected states in the North Central, North West, South East, and South West regions. Findings reveal that rural banditry is driven by weak governance, socio-economic exclusion, environmental pressures, and intercommunal tensions, with significant consequences for agricultural productivity, economic stability, and social cohesion. The study emphasises the urgency of comprehensive policy responses that address both the root causes and immediate effects of rural insecurity through strengthened local governance, community engagement, and targeted socio-economic development.

Purpose Rural crime, particularly cattle rustling and related forms of rural banditry, has become a major socioeconomic and security challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria especially across Northern Plateau, Southern Kaduna, Kwara and Oyo States – these forms of violence have escalated, disrupting agrarian livelihoods and deepening rural insecurity. This study aims to explore the interconnections among rural crime, resource conflicts and sociopolitical marginalization, and to critically examine the structural and historical conditions that sustain this nexus within Nigeria’s evolving rural landscape. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a critical political economy and rural criminology framework to analyze the rural-crime-banditry nexus. It employs a historical-structural approach, tracing the legacies of land dispossession, pastoralist-farmer tensions and state neglect that underpin current patterns of rural insecurity. By integrating qualitative insights from existing studies, policy reports and regional conflict analyses, the paper situates rural banditry within broader processes of governance failure, socioeconomic exclusion and the securitization of agrarian spaces. Findings The study finds that conventional securitization strategies often intensify rather than mitigate rural violence by ignoring its structural roots in inequality, marginalization and resource scarcity. It argues for a critical, place-based approach that acknowledges the economic, cultural and governance dimensions of rural crime. Such a framework highlights the need for locally grounded, justice-oriented interventions that can inform transformative policies, enhance rural resilience and promote sustainable peace and development in Nigeria’s agrarian regions. Originality/value This study offers an original contribution by integrating political economy and rural criminology to conceptualize the rural-crime-banditry nexus in Nigeria. It departs from dominant securitization and law-enforcement perspectives by foregrounding structural, historical and place-based analyses of rural violence. By situating banditry within broader processes of land dispossession, governance failure and socioeconomic exclusion, the paper advances a critical framework that bridges theory and policy. Its insights provide a foundation for rethinking rural security interventions and promoting more equitable, context-sensitive strategies for peacebuilding and rural development.

This study assessed the level of productivity, commercialization and resilience in the livestock production in Bauchi State, the study adopted a survey research design, this design allows the researcher to narrowed the study to three communities (i) Sullubawa (ii) Gamawa and (iii) Ningi respectively where livestock production is the main activities of the people. The study population is 496, 501 from which a sample size of 341 sample size was drawn using Krejcie Morgan’s formula statistics of determining sampling size, questionnaire instrument was used for data collection, while key informant interview was conducted with Ten (10) critical stakeholders (2 Crop farmers, 3 Livestock farmer, 3 Traditional leaders and 2 LGA staff). The quantitative data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics while thematic content analysis was used to analyse the interview data collected. The study revealed that majority of the respondents believed that livestock production is on the decline. This was further buttressed by the key informant interview conducted in the study. The informant drew their views from various factors which include security challenges, cattle rustling and poor access to land resources like land and water in Bauchi State. The study also revealed that livestock production is moderately commercialized in Bauchi State, Nigeria. the key informants interviewed believed that livestock production has not been fully commercialized due to reasons bothering on poor knowledge, high interests’ rates on loans and slow government interventions in Bauchi State. And finally, the study revealed that cattle, sheep and goat are the most dominant livestock produced in Bauchi State during this study.

This study examines the role of traditional and religious leaders in addressing the insecurity challenges of cattle rustling and armed banditry in Katsina state, Nigeria. The study is anchored within Lederach’s (1997) peacebuilding model. A mixed methods were used, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The data was collected using 384 questionnaires comprised both open and closed-ended questions and administered appropriately in the eight (8) affected local government areas purposely selected to study. A semi-structured questionnaire was also designed, and conducted interviews with twenty (20) traditional and religious leaders randomly selected from study areas. The study adopted content and descriptive methods of data analysis using statistical tools like tables, graphs, and percentages. The study established that seventy-seven percent (77%) of the respondents acknowledged the efforts of traditional leaders, including dialogue and reconciliation attempts, formation of peace committees, creation of vigilante groups for self-defence, advising the government, and supporting security personnel with information, etc. Fifteen percent (15%) of the respondents disagreed, and eight percent (8%) were neutral. At the same time, religious leaders engaged in constant prayers, preachings, sensitization, reorientation, and attitude transformation, among others, as identified by eighty-five percent (85%) of the respondents. Seven percent (7%) disagreed, while eight percent (8%) were neutral. However, the study concluded that the insecurity challenges of cattle rustling and armed banditry are beyond the traditional and religious leaders’ capabilities. Their efforts alone could not resolve the insecurity problems. It must be the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to achieve a permanent resolution and sustainable peace in Katsina state.

This study examines the socio-economic consequences of the farmers and herders’ conflict in Benue State, Nigeria. The conflict has resulted in significant loss of lives, property, and livelihoods, with far-reaching implications for the state's economy and social fabric. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, including questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The study's findings reveal a devastating impact on the lives of farmers, herdsmen, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), with loss of livelihoods (80%), displacement (75%), and decreased agricultural productivity (70%). The study identifies competition for land, grazing routes and cattle rustling, ethnic and cultural differences, and climate change and environmental degradation as major causes of the conflict. The study recommends a comprehensive approach to addressing the crisis, including peacebuilding initiatives, government support, agricultural support, and security measures.

This study investigates the security challenges confronting farming communities in Zamfara State, Nigeria. These communities face overlapping threats, such as banditry, kidnapping, farmer-herder conflicts, and cattle rustling, all of which have severely disrupted livelihoods and agricultural productivity. Although there has been increasing national attention on the insecurity in the state, significant gaps remain in understanding how these threats interact with demographic characteristics, livelihood patterns, and seasonal variations. To address these gaps, a survey was conducted involving 500 farmers across affected communities. The study collected data on the prevalence, perceived severity, and seasonal patterns of insecurity. Descriptive statistical analysis reveals notable seasonal differences: farmer-herder conflicts intensify during the rainy season, with 58% of respondents perceiving them as more severe during this period due to increased competition over land and water. In contrast, the dry season sees a rise in banditry (52%) and cattle rustling (18%), reflecting changing patterns of movement and vulnerability across communities. In terms of overall threat prevalence, farmer-herder conflict remains the most frequently reported, affecting 85% of respondents, followed by banditry (78%), cattle rustling (71%), and kidnapping (63%). The findings also highlight important demographic differences: male crop farmers are more likely to be affected by banditry, pastoralists by cattle rustling, and young women by kidnapping.

The current study explores the effects of cattle rustling on pupils’ access to education: a case study of Kabichibich Sub-Location, West Pokot County, Kenya. Residents in Kabichbich Sub-location in West Pokot County, had observed how livestock rustling has affected education in the area. Though it has deep cultural roots, cattle rustling threatens people's ability to make a living and their children's future opportunities. The following research questions served as the basis for this investigation: What are the causes of cattle rustling in Kabichbich Sub- location, West Pokot County Kenya? In what way does cattle rustle influence pupil’s access to quality education in Kabichbich Sub- location, West Pokot County Kenya? and What are the possible ways to control cattle rustling in Kabichbich Sub-location, West Pokot County Kenya? The study used Melville Herskovits' "Complex Theory" (1926), which states that pastoralists have an unquenchable, irrational, and compelling attachment to cattle which undermines education as transformative tool. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approach. For the quantitative approach, the study used a descriptive survey approach, however, for the qualitative approach, the study used purposive sampling. The total number of respondents were 67, which consists of 42 students, 8 teachers, 2 principles and 7 community members from 2 nearby schools. The sample size was derived at using Yamane’s method. Members of the community, including religious leaders, city authorities, and educational officers, as well as students, instructors, and principals, were interviewed, and they were also asked to fill out a structured questionnaire. In order to ensure confidentiality, the respondents were asked not to reveal their identities. The reliability of the research instruments was assessed via the use of the test-retest method. The researcher wanted to make sure the instruments were accurate for the study. The SPSS program was used to analyse the information, while thematic description was used to analyse qualitative data. percentages and frequencies were used to study quantitative data. Bar charts was used to display the findings. The study concluded that, cattle rustling was a major challenge to education. Academic performance reflects the quality of education that was not provided due to high rates of student and teacher absenteeism and school dropouts, inadequate school facilities, and pervasive insecurity. Among the recommendations, included, building more boarding schools, to protect children to provide safety for the students.

ABSTRACT Banditry is one of the criminal activities that has caused deaths, displacement, destruction of properties and widespread fear. Existing studies have examined its costs, implications, and possible mechanisms for addressing it. However, knowledge about the nature and character of the phenomenon across geo-political zones in Nigeria remains limited. Using data collected through in-depth as well as key informant interviews along with focus group discussions in four geo-political zones (North-Central, North-West, South-West and South-East), the study unpacks the methods of attack, timing, and reported identities of bandits. The type of banditry (kidnapping, cattle rustling, village destruction, and killing) influenced the characteristics of victims. While the methods of attack were often violent, the timing was typically late at night or early in the morning. Men were more frequently killed, while women were more likely to be abducted and forced into marriages with bandits. Although bandits were often strangers to the locations of attacks, their activities were reportedly facilitated by insider collaborators. Based on these findings, the study propose ways in which the insights can inform security planning and peacebuilding efforts in the affected regions.

Nigeria’s vast and porous land and maritime borders pose major challenges to effective border management, significantly contributing to the country’s insecurity. The numerous unofficial crossing points, difficult terrains, and limited surveillance systems enable illicit activities such as small arms proliferation, terrorism, human and drug trafficking, cattle rustling, and irregular migration. These transnational crimes worsen internal conflicts and criminal networks. Weaknesses in Nigeria’s border governance—stemming from inadequate funding, corruption, poor inter-agency coordination, and weak political commitment—have created opportunities for groups like Boko Haram, bandits, and secessionists to smuggle weapons, recruit fighters, and conduct cross-border attacks. The unchecked movement of people and goods also strains local economies, heightens ethnic tensions, and deepens socio-economic instability in border regions. This study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to border security that integrates advanced surveillance technologies, intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation, regional partnerships, and community engagement. Strengthening the capacity of border personnel and addressing the marginalization of border communities are vital for building trust and enhancing security. Effective border management, therefore, is essential not only for combating insecurity but also for achieving lasting peace and sustainable national development.

Cattle rustling, a significant issue in various regions, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia, has profound impacts beyond immediate economic and social disruptions. The population that bears the brunt are the people with disabilities (PWD), a group often marginalized in discussions of rural and economic development. Through a multidisciplinary approach, including socioeconomic analysis and human rights perspectives, this study aims to shed light on how cattle rustling exacerbates the vulnerabilities of PWD, affecting their economic stability, social inclusion, and access to services. Cattle rustling has been a persistent issue in many developing regions, with severe implications for the affected communities. While much attention has been given to the broader impacts on rural economies and social stability, the specific effects on people with disabilities (PWD) have not been thoroughly examined. This paper addresses this gap by analyzing how cattle rustling exacerbates the vulnerabilities of PWD, focusing on economic, social, and rights-based dimensions. Cattle rustling, a persistent issue in Kenya's pastoral and agro-pastoral regions, has far-reaching consequences beyond immediate economic losses and communal tensions. This paper investigates the specific impacts of cattle rustling on people with disabilities (PWD) in Kenya. By examining economic hardships, social exclusion, and access to services, this study highlights the compounded vulnerabilities faced by PWD in the context of cattle rustling. Through qualitative analyses, this research aims to inform policy and intervention strategies that address the unique needs of PWD affected by this socio-economic challenge. Cattle rustling has long been a challenge in Kenya, particularly in the pastoralist regions where livestock play a critical role in the economy and social fabric. While the broader impacts of cattle rustling are well-documented, the specific consequences for people with disabilities (PWD) have not been extensively studied. This paper aims to fill this gap by exploring how cattle rustling exacerbates the vulnerabilities of PWD in Kenya, with a focus on economic, social, and access-related issues.

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons [SALWs] in the East African region has negatively impacted national and regional security. Porous and expansive borders, corruption and instability in the region, commercialisation of cattle rustling, weak governments and the presence of ungoverned spaces in the region have facilitated the proliferation of SALWs in the region. The purpose of this research was to explore the initiatives adopted by Kenya and Uganda, both individually and collaboratively, for the control of the proliferation of SALWs in East Africa. The study was guided by the regionalism theory of interstate cooperation and a descriptive survey design. The sampled respondents, totaling 55, were drawn from security agencies, civil society members, foreign relations offices, non-state actors, and religious leaders. Instrumentation encompassed questionnaires, focus group discussions, and interviews. The qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis and presented in its original form, while the quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using tables and graphs. The study found that, by understanding the challenges and dynamics at play, stakeholders would certainly implement strategies that not only control the spread of the dangerous but also address the underlying causes of violence and insecurity in the study area. The article showed that various initiatives, including disarmament programmes and legislative and regulatory measures, were in place in the Kenya-Uganda border effort. Various outcomes of the control of proliferation merged, as the results show that 75% strongly agreed that, to a large extent, specific goals and objectives set for each initiative have been achieved. The study suggests strengthening human resource capacity, utilizing technology for surveillance, and enhancing the terms and conditions of security forces in the EA countries.

This study investigated the impact of insecurity on agripreneurship development in Niger State, Nigeria, a region rich in agricultural potential but increasingly destabilized by violent conflicts. Agripreneurship, which blends agriculture with entrepreneurship, has been widely promoted as a driver of rural development, youth employment, and food security. Yet, persistent insecurity particularly banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnapping continues to disrupt farming activities, limit investments, and threaten the survival of agribusiness ventures. A survey research design was adopted, with data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 240 agripreneurs drawn via a multi-stage sampling technique from four Local Government Areas (Rafi, Shiroro, Kontagora, and Mariga) in Agricultural Zones II and III of Niger State. The questionnaire was subjected to expert review for content validity, while reliability was confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha test, which showed acceptable internal consistency. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and regression techniques. Results indicated that 87.1% of respondents had experienced insecurity, with 65% affected by banditry and 57.1% reporting loss of farm assets. Critical agribusiness elements such as income generation, land access, and business expansion were severely constrained, with mean scores of 4.3, 4.2, and 4.0, respectively. Regression analysis revealed a significant negative effect of insecurity on agripreneurs’ income (β = –0.482, p < 0.01), while access to markets and inputs showed positive and statistically significant impacts. Coping strategies included reducing farm size, diversifying income, and relying on community security groups, though institutional support was weak. The study concludes that integrated measures on security, infrastructure, and agricultural support are vital for sustaining agripreneurship. Enhancing resilience through better credit, input supply, and market access remains essential to protect livelihoods and promote rural development in conflict prone areas.

This study examines the effectiveness of transformative peacebuilding approach in addressing the insecurity challenges of cattle rustling and armed banditry in Katsina state. The study used primary and secondary data. Thus, administered 384 questionnaires across the eight (8) local government areas purposely selected. The study also interviewed thirty-nine (39) stakeholders. These include, traditional and religious leaders, academicians, security personnel, CSOs and the state standing committee on cattle rustling members. Content and descriptive analyses were adopted and presented the findings using graphs and simple percentages. The respondents (56%) confirmed that genuine stakeholders’ engagement would resolve the insecurity challenges of cattle rustling and armed banditry in Katsina state. Most interviewed respondents admitted that the collective stakeholders’ efforts were lost in curbing the insecurity challenges. The insecurity issues should not be limited to a specific part, institution, or group of people. It is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders. The study concluded that it is possible to resolve the insecurity challenges of cattle rustling and armed banditry in Katsina state through the stakeholders’ complementarity and contingency efforts as advocated by the transformative peacebuilding approach.

ABSTRACT Cattle rustling remains a persistent socioeconomic threat in Sub-Saharan Africa; however, the threat it poses to children’s educational outcomes is underexplored. This systematic review synthesises the findings from twenty-three peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2023 across 18 countries. The studies reviewed assess the impact of cattle rustling on educational outcomes. Five thematic areas emerged during the study: school enrolment and retention, academic disruption and learning outcomes, students’ safety and learning environments, teacher availability and workforce stability, and economic strains on education. The review is informed by a multi-theoretical framework that incorporates tenets of economic deprivation theory, cultural pastoralism theory and rational choice theory. It highlights cattle rustling’s role in exacerbating school dropout, displacement, infrastructure collapse, teacher attrition and economic hardship, which all hinder access to formal education. The findings emphasise the need for context-sensitive education policies that address the compounded effects of cattle rustling-related insecurity.

This study examined the livelihoods vulnerability among the Samburu nomadic pastoral community in Samburu County, Kenya. Livelihood insecurity remains a pressing challenge in Africa, with over 85% of people lacking stable means of sustenance. In Kenya, Samburu County stands out, with approximately 76% of the population living below the poverty line, and widespread food insecurity and child malnutrition. The study sought to probe the indicators, categories, risk factors, manifestations, and causes of vulnerability among the Samburu nomadic pastoralists. Using a qualitative research approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 elderly participants aged between 60 and 79 years, selected through purposive sampling due to their cultural knowledge and life experiences. Data were analyzed thematically and presented through narrative summaries and direct quotations. The findings reveal several signs of vulnerability, including physical weakness, hunger, displacement, and identity crises. Vulnerable groups include orphaned children, expectant and nursing mothers, the elderly, persons with disabilities, widows, and individuals with no livestock or social support. Key risk factors identified include old age, childlessness, and social exclusion due to perceived illegitimacy or taboo actions. Vulnerability manifests through hunger, poor health, marginalization, and economic oppression. Causes are multifaceted, encompassing man-made factors such as cattle rustling and irresponsible resource management; natural factors like droughts and floods; and economic challenges stemming from the shift towards a cash economy. The study recommends urgent government intervention to reduce livelihoods vulnerability by promoting diversification of livelihood sources. Further research is suggested to explore sustainable, culturally appropriate livelihood options that blend traditional and modern practices for enhanced community livelihoods resilience.