The Role of Digital Security in Combating Rural Banditry in Nigeria

Abstract

This work explores the contribution of digital security in tackling rural banditry in Nigeria, focusing on Benue and Zamfara States. Rural banditry has assumed a widespread and coordinated form of insecurity involving abduction, armed attack, and destruction of means of livelihood among populations. While there is use of conventional methods like military response and vigilantism in containing this menace, this strategy remains mainly a response and a reactive solution. In response, this research investigates the use of digital security technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), drone surveillance, and mobile phone communication in addressing the issue of insecurity in rural Nigeria. Utilizing a mixed-method design, survey, key informant interview and spatial analysis are employed in investigating the occurrence, pattern, and technology related to rural banditry. Results indicated that rural banditry is a common and coordinated phenomenon mostly related to the forest environment; however, the use of digital security technologies in rural areas is minimal, decentralized, and not effective due to poor infrastructure, connectivity, and technical expertise in rural Nigeria. Among all digital security technologies, mobile phone communication seems the most popularly employed, with minimal use of other advanced technologies like drones and GIS. Though stakeholders agree on the importance of integrating more technology for rural security, this will be highly effective if coordinated with infrastructural support and community participation. It is finally concluded that effective deployment of digital security for enhanced rural security and sustainable development in Nigeria will require the confluence of appropriate technology, human, and institutional capacity.