Assessing the Impacts of Armed Banditry on the Livelihood of Rural Dwellers in Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

Armed banditry has emerged as a critical security challenge in many rural communities, particularly in northern Nigeria. Armed robbery and abduction for ransom have disrupted agricultural production, local trade, and access to basic services, thereby deepening poverty and social instability in rural areas of Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria. The study assessed the impact of robbery and kidnapping on the livelihood of rural dwellers. The study adopted survey research design and a sample of 987 respondents were drawn from the most affected communities where banditry activities are rampant. Questionnaire and key informants’ interview were used in the collection of data. Merton’s Strain Theory and Cohen & Felson’s Routine Activity Theory were used to anchor the study. Findings of the study revealed that armed banditry has negative impacts on people's socio-economic livelihoods; including farming, animal husbandry, commerce, and education. Kidnapping disrupts these activities, affecting family stability, educational services, and infrastructure provision. Equally, armed robbers forcefully dispossessed people of their valuables including money, food items, livestock and the likes as well as physical injuries and loss of lives. The study found that armed banditry in Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State has significant impacts on people's socio-economic livelihoods; including farming, animal husbandry, commerce, and education. Kidnapping also disrupts these activities, affecting family stability, educational services, and infrastructure provision. The study recommends strengthened security measures, community based policing, rural economic empowerment programs and improved intelligence gathering to mitigate the menace and restore sustainable socio-economic activities in the affected communities