Insecurity and counter-banditry strategies of the affected communities in Oyo State, Nigeria
ISSN: 1757-8043
Article publication date: 11 September 2023
Issue publication date: 2 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Banditry is a major social problem in Nigeria that has over time defied series of intervention measures introduced by the federal and state governments to address it. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the counter-banditry strategies of the affected communities in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was exploratory and cross-sectional in design. Situational criminal prevention theory was used as conceptual guide. Data were elicited from community leaders, community members and local security guards using in-depth interview, key-informant interview and focus group discussion methods.
Findings
The results showed that communities affected by banditry problem were adopting different internal and external interventions to combat the criminal act. Although the counter-banditry strategies of the affected communities have brought about a reduction in the occurrence of the criminal act, the problem is yet to be totally eliminated as people still get victimised.
Originality/value
This research expanded the frontiers of knowledge by focusing on the counter-banditry strategies of the communities affected by the problem of banditry and also suggested relevant practical steps that can be taken to further strengthen the existing security architectures in such locations.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) under grant number TETF/DR&D/CE/NRF2020/HSS/03/VOL.1.
Citation
Ojedokun, U.A., Oyelade, O.K., Adenugba, A.A. and Akanji, O.O. (2024), "Insecurity and counter-banditry strategies of the affected communities in Oyo State, Nigeria", Safer Communities, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 23-34. https://doi.org/10.1108/SC-06-2023-0025
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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