“ … they kill the men and marry their attractive wives”: understanding the nature and character of rural banditry in Nigeria

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.