A Historical Analysis of Banditry and Human Security in Some West African Countries in the Sahel Region (2010-2023)

Abstract

This discourse examined and analysed the operations of bandits in Peoples Republic of Burkina Faso, the Republics of Mali and Niger and the Federal Republic of Nigeria which are some of the countries in the Sahel region in West Africa. Banditry is widespread in these countries that share borders and easily facilitate the movement of these bandits and other persons of reputable character. Data for this discourse was largely sourced from journal articles, reports from reputable research organizations, and newspapers. Discussion was both descriptive and analytical showing how banditry affects the entire facets of human security. Bandits majorly operated in rural communities, markets and in some streets in cities, along highways, finding safe havens in large swathes of forests liberally located in these countries. Inadequate security, porous borders, sophisticated weapons and ethnic conflicts were exploited by these bandits to perpetrate their activities. The various governments of these countries have not adequately coped with stemming banditry, hence some communities established vigilante groups for self-defence and to complement occasional security personnel from government. Forceful deprivation of properties, cattle rustling, killing, rape, torture, displacement of victims from their communities and refugees from Nigeria into Niger Republic in particular were largely experienced in these countries.