Exploring Challenges of the State and Federal Governments in Tackling the Insecurity Problems of Cattle Rustling and Armed Banditry in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abdullahi Mu'awiyya; Kamarulzaman Askandar

doi:10.32890/jgd2026.22.1.2

Authors

Abdullahi Mu'awiyya School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Kamarulzaman Askandar School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32890/jgd2026.22.1.2

Keywords:

Insecurity, cattle rustling, armed banditry, State and Federal Governments

Abstract

Cattle rustling and armed banditry have been a serious security concern in Katsina state since 2010. The state government has employed various policies, including collaboration with the federal government, to address the issues; however, attacks by rustlers/bandits remain unabated. This study aims to explore the challenges facing state and federal governments in addressing the security problems. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach. The primary data were gathered through a field survey. A sample size of 384 questionnaires, structured based on both open-ended and closed-ended questions, was administered as instruments for data collection in the eight local government areas that were purposely selected. Stakeholders from the state committee on cattle rustling, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, academicians, and security personnel, including the military, police, and civil defense corps, were also interviewed. The study used content and descriptive analyses methods to present the findings through graphs and percentages. The results revealed that a weak security system (22%) stemmed from inadequate funding, outdated equipment, insufficient personnel, and unpatriotic attitudes among some officers. Poor governance (44%) was manifested in inadequate policy implementation, a lack of political will, corruption, and the politicization of insecurity. And, socio-economic challenges (27%), including poverty, unemployment, mistrust, and inadequate social amenities, are the major factors undermining the state and federal governments’ efforts in tackling the insecurity problems. The study concluded that these issues have rendered their efforts ineffective and incapable of addressing the problems. Thus, it is recommended to adopt non-coercive strategies that must be all-inclusive as an alternative to resolving the insecurity challenges in Katsina State.

Author Biography

Kamarulzaman Askandar, School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang

Abdullahi Mu’awiyya is a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria, since 2012. He holds B.Sc. & M.Sc. in Political Science from Bayero University Kano and University of Ilorin, respectively. Currently, a PhD student in the Political Science Section, School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Professor Kamarulzaman Askandar received his Doctorate degree (PhD) from the Department of Peace Studies, Bradford University, UK. He is the Coordinator of Research and Education for Peace, Universiti Sains Malaysia (REPUSM). He has been active in supporting peacebuilding activities in conflict areas of Aceh, Indonesia, Mindanao, Philippines, and Southern Thailand.

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