An Assessment of Armed Banditry Activities on Rural Markets in Zamfara North

An Assessment of Armed Banditry Activities on Rural Markets in Zamfara North

Sirajo Shehu¹, Bukoye Ademola Ismail², Abdul Sabur Hassan³

¹Business Administration and Management Study, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State.

²Department Liberal Study, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State.

³Business Administration and Management Study, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2024.1106004

Received: 10 May 2024; Revised: 26 May 2024; Accepted: 31 May 2024; Published: 28 June 2024

ABSTRACT

Armed banditry has been a pandemic on human phenomenon especially in Zamfara state. This paper assesses the effect of armed banditry activities on rural markets in Zamfara north. The research work is anchored on Strain and Frustration–Aggression theory. Purposive sampling technique was utilized in the selection of 150 market participants from Shinkafi market, kasuwan-Daji market, and Dauran markets. A qualitative research design is employed to generate primary data through administering of 5 Likert scale structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using structural equation model. The findings of the study indicate that incessant killing, Kidnapping, and Terrorism has significant statistical impacts on Rural markets operation. The researchers recommended that policies makers should implement targeted intervention programs aimed at addressing the root causes of incessant killing, Kidnapping and Terrorism in rural communities, such as poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, and interpersonal conflicts.

Keyword; incessant killings, kidnapping, Terrorism, Rural market and poverty.

INTRODUCTION

Armed banditry has been a pandemic on human phenomenon globally, posing a severe social, political and economic consequence that tends to be threatening the overall developmental efforts of the affected nations. Researchers posited that armed banditry have been elevated to global pandemic and an issue of concern, the multiplying effect are far reaching and beyond human imagination. This problem has a devastating effects on socio, economic and political lives of the people affected. Thereby threatening the sustainability of human development of the people in the area. Muhammad (2021) posited that banditry activities in Central Africa Republic, DRC, Rwanda, Mali and Chad etc. are issues of concern to the international communities including United Nations. The severity and the threats exacted the act denied the actualization of sustainable development goals, particularly in up growing of poverty, sexual harassment, epidemics and poor access to education.

Armed banditry in some northern states of Nigeria, particularly North West is a disaster that have resulted into killings, kidnapping and displacement of people (Eweka and Olusegun, 2016). The banditry activities appear to be currently increasing, as a quick means of enrichment by the principal actors. Banditry activities have necessitated the establishment of internally displaced persons in most communities in the North West. In Zamfara State, currently, banditry has been a social problem which has, still continued to be haunting the many communities in the state un-abated. The vicious circle of kidnapping, cattle rustling, wishful and incessant killings of people by the bandits has been reoccurring on the terrain of the state from 2011 to date. (Adamu & Muhammad 2021)

Zamafara state is threaten with unsecured economic environment with dominants of armed banditry activities. This disturbing development has made Zamfara State as the epic center of banditry activities in the North West region of the country. It is pertinent to stress that Zamfara state is currently grappling with issues of socio-economic development, particularly as an agrarian state that is predominantly into agribusiness, and regularly participated in local markets. The operation of the local markets is currently engulfed in disruption by the banditry activities that denied the communities relative access to local market participation in major markets like Shinkafi market, kasuwan-Daji market, Dauran markets etc. This problem has become so serious in Zamfara north senatorial district of the state where the major bandit kingpins located their camps, for easy navigation and operation networking to Katsina, Sokoto and Birnin Kebbi axis. Therefore, it is difficult for local markets in Zamfara north to fully operate, and this is the major area of focus for this research work.

Statement of Problems

The people of Zamfara north are predominantly agribusiness enterprises that mostly anchored their businesses on the availability of major local markets in the area Anka, (2018). These markets are the economic heartbeat of Zamfara state, particularly in Zamfara north senatorial district. However, recently antisocial activities of kidnapping, incessant killings and terrorism prevailed within the area through the activities of armed banditry. Consequently these created fear, tension, and unfavorable business environment, equally limit local market attendant and paralyzed business activities in the zone (Olapeju & Peter, 2021). The menace of the armed banditry had virtually posed serious security challenges to Zamfara State and Nigeria at large. This, made Egwu (2015), Momale (2015) view it as criminal enterprises with the consequences for truncating socio- economic, political, cultural and psychological wellbeing of the society. For instance, the state had, on many occasion introduced policies of closing down operation in some rural markets in order to cut off access to important logistics by the bandits. However, the incidences of banditry have been prevalent in most of the areas in the state, particularly in Zamfara North where the bandits kingpins sited their enclaves. By implication, banditry activities continues to heighten the fear and the spate of insecurity in the whole state. Arising from the foregoing, therefore this paper intends to investigate the impacts of armed banditry activities on rural markets in Zamfara North and with particular reference to the problems of kidnapping, incessant killings and terrorism as it affects the socio- economic, political, cultural wellbeing and operation of major local markets in the zone.

Research Questions

The following questions were raised to guide the researchers, these include;

1. What are the relationship between kidnapping and rural markets operation in Zamfara North?
2. Is there any relationship between incessant killings and rural markets operation in Zamfara North?
3. What are the relationship between terrorism and rural markets operation in Zamfara North?

Research Objective

The general objective is to assess the relationship between banditry activities and local market operation in Zamfara North. The specific objectives include.

1. To assess the relationship between kidnapping and rural markets operation in Zamfara North.
2. To analyze the relationship between incessant killings and rural markets operation in Zamfara North.
3. To examine the relationship between terrorism and rural markets operation in Zamfara North.

Research Hypothesis

The hypotheses of this study are stated in null form, these are;

H₁; There is no significant positive relationship between kidnapping and rural markets operation in Zamfara North.

H₂; There is no significant positive relationship between incessant killings and rural markets operation in Zamfara North.

H_3; There is no significant positive relationship between terrorizing and rural markets operation in Zamfara North.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Armed Banditry

Banditry is a concept derived from bandit, which simply means an illegal and organized armed syndicate attacking people and forcefully acquiring people’s properties. Banditry can be referred to as armed gang syndicate which operate with light and small weapons to carry out attacks on people. In this regard, banditry mean an organized criminal activity deliberately designed and carried out for personal gains. Banditry is generally characterized by cattle rustling, armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, terrorizing and illegal collection of tax or commodity levy at rural community market (Mohammed & Alimba, 2015). Banditry  is an  organized  criminal  activities  involving  violence  and  coercion such  as  robbery,  kidnapping,  and  extortion (Richardson,  2019). In the 21st-century African context, a bandit could be seen as one who commits the crime of armed robbery, killing, kidnapping, terrorizing and destruction of properties, particularly, of herders, merchants and business owners (Olapeju & Peter, 2021). However, where the term banditry is connected to rural community, it implies that  group of rural community are involved in illicit activities such as raiding of villages, kidnappings and cattle rustling for primitive accumulation of wealth. Thus, bandits are gang groups terrorizing and dispossessing local people or travelers of their valuable items or properties such as merchandise, money, cattle, camel, and sheep, among others (Egwu, 2015), They operate within and along rural borders with the assistance of their local collaborators including in some cases, state agents deployed to work for the safety and security of the people (Abdullahi, 2019).

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is to persuasively seize, take away and illegitimate detailing somebody against his wish. It is a popular way of going against the law by placing restriction on the victims liberty which is not in consonant with the provision of freedom of movement as contained in the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria. Fage and Alabi (2017) conceived kidnapping as forceful or fraudulent abduction of an individual or a group of individuals for reasons ranging from economic, political, and religious to struggle for self-determination.  Abdulkabir (2017)), also defined kidnapping as the act of seizing and detaining or carrying away a person by unlawful force or by fraud, and often with a demand for ransom. Inyang and Abraham (2013) defined it as the forcible seizure, taking away and unlawful detention of a person against his will. It is a common law offence and the key part is that it is unwanted act on the part of the victims as they are subjected to hardship, extortion, unnecessary trauma and clear violation of their fundamental rights.

Killings

The incessant killings by armed bandits in northern Nigeria have become a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by widespread violence, displacement, and instability. These bandits, who often operate in loosely organized groups, engage in activities such as kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, cattle rustling, terrorism and sexual violence. The violence has primarily affected the northwestern states of Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, and Sokoto. According to Tauna (2020), the word incessant can   be   used   interchangeably   with   the   word   rampant which posit that there are continuous and unceasing killings within the state. Most families were displaced and experience hardship due to the threat of killings and molestation in the area. One of the significant factors contributing to the rise of banditry is the historical conflict between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers over land and resources, which has escalated into broader criminality and violence over the past decade (Sule, 2023). The bandits are often well-armed and have access to sophisticated weapons, which they use to terrorize rural communities. They frequently attack villages, kill residents, loot properties, and set homes on fire, forcing thousands to flee their homes. The situation has been exacerbated by the involvement of displaced individuals, climate change impacts, and economic desperation. James,(2023). Cite that some bandits are former herders who turned to crime due to the loss of their livestock to rustlers and the inability to sustain traditional livelihoods. Additionally, there are indications that some members of these criminal groups might be linked to or supported by powerful individuals, including those involved in illegal mining operations in Zamfara state (Ejiofor, 2023). More-over, the violence has caused massive displacement, with thousands of people losing their lives and homes. The humanitarian toll is immense, with local and international organizations calling for more robust and coordinated efforts to address the root causes of the crisis and provide relief to the affected populations (Corbett, Pedraza‐Martinez, & Van Wassenhove, 2022)

Terrorism

Bandit groups in northern Nigeria engage in a range of criminal activities, including intimidating and terrorizing the population, kidnappings for ransom, armed robbery, and cattle rustling. These groups are often well-armed and use sophisticated weapons acquired through illegal arms trade. They exploit large, forested areas for concealment and establishing operational bases (Ojo, Oyewole & Aina, 2023). Terrorizing and intimidation has devastating effects on local communities, leading to significant loss of life, displacement, and widespread fear and insecurity. Economic activities, particularly agriculture, are severely disrupted, resulting in increased poverty and food insecurity. For instance, in Zamfara State alone, over 30,000 people have been killed, and about 450,000 displaced due to banditry (Aina & Ojo, 2024). Terrorism is a global issue that has caused significant harm to individuals, societies, and states worldwide. Terrorism refers to the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims, self-interest and promotion of group ideology (Carpenter, 2018). Terrorist attacks aim at creating psychological fear, panic and anxiety among the population to achieve political and socio-economic goals. The impact of terrorism can be severe, leading to human casualties, economic damage, and erosion of civil liberties and human rights (Repucci & Slipowitz, 2021). Terrorism lacks a universally accepted definition, complicating its study. Scholars like Schmid, (2020) emphasize that terrorism, extremism, and radicalism must be understood in relation to the political and social context of their time. Schmid, (2020) also argues that radicalization can occur at individual, community, and societal levels, necessitating a multi-dimensional approach to counter-terrorism strategies. The causes of terrorism are multifaceted, including political, socio-economic, and psychological factors. A review by Lia & Hansen, (2000), highlights theories that link terrorism to socio-economic inequalities, political repression, and identity conflicts. The literature also examines the role of ideology, state failure, and external interventions in fostering terrorist activities.​ Ali, Ali, & Tassawar, (2024). Confirm that the impact of terrorism extends beyond immediate physical destruction, affecting economic stability, social cohesion, and political landscapes. Studies of Nadeem, Liu, Xu, Nawaz, Malik, & Younis, (2020) and Bardwell & Iqbal (2021). Indicate that terrorism severely disrupt economies, reduce foreign investments, and increase state expenditures on security. Terrorism also exacerbates social tensions and can create environments conducive to further radicalization

Local Market Operations

Rural markets are physical location for exchange of goods and services, and usually located in rural areas. They are established to enhance the distribution of commodities produced locally with the primary objective of expanding the local economic base of the rural people. Rural markets also serve as centers of exchange of ideas and civilization through social and political interaction (Ambakederemo & Kalu, 2018). The rural markets are full of challenges because of its characteristics like illiteracy, distances, communication, rail and road network, security, vulnerability and inadequate infrastructural facilities etc. (Sambrani. 2017). Rural market in Zamfara North like kasuwandaji market, kaura market shinkafi market, dauran market, birnin-magaji market and nasarawa godel market are prone to banditry attacks in the area. The conceptual framework for this study is hinged on the phenomenon of rural markets and banditry activities. Accordingly, the independent variable (banditry) is made up of three variables consisting of kidnapping, killings and terrorism. These are matched respectively with the dependent variable of rural market.

Conceptual Framework

Fig. 1    Source; Author, 2023.

Theoretical Framework

This research study is anchored on strain and Frustration–Aggression theory. The Strain theory sociologically believes that pressure mounted on an individual by social structures within the society, such as lack of income, unemployment, school dropout, poverty and lack of quality education, eventually put strain on the offenders. These factors may drive an individual to commit crimes, like peddling of drugs, prostitution to make wealth, kidnapping, killings and terrorizing of the society (Wikipedia, 2018). The theory is propounded by Emile Durkheim and was advanced by Merton (1938) and others.

The Frustration–Aggression theory was propounded by John Dollard and his team of researchers in 1939, which complement the position of Emile Durkheim’s Strain theory. The theory was expanded and modified by Leonard Berkowitz and others in 1962. This theory believes that when individuals or groups are denied their legitimate rights and benefits, they feel disappointed which eventually led to frustration and violent behavior. The violent manners are directed at those they perceived are responsible directly or indirectly for such denial. It also maintains that where expectation does not meet attainment, people tend to confront those they feel are responsible for not attaining the expected benefits. The non-attainment of the expectation results to anger, frustration and aggressive behavior or violence.

These two theories are in consonants and relevant to this study when considering the activities and characteristics of armed banditry within the state. It’s the position of the bandits that the government has failed to provide for their basic needs like education, employment, good health and social economic wellbeing of their identity. As a result of this deprivation that necessitated them into frustration and aggression for forceful reclaiming of their economic wellbeing directly or indirectly from the society. In furtherance to this, the fear of not falling victims of the aggressive attack by the armed bandits has discouraged and dejected morale of traders and other important vendors from patronizing the major markets in the area.

Empirical Framework

Popoola et’al (2020), conducted a study on antecedents of kidnapping incidence in Nigeria: perception of security personnel in kwara state, Nigeria. The researchers engaged descriptive survey method. The study employed regression analysis on the relative influence of educational level on the respondents’ perception of antecedents of kidnapping incidence in Kwara State. The study revealed that the causes of kidnapping are numerous but topmost among them are inequitable distribution of wealth among ethnic nationalities, high prevalence of poverty in the country and political apathy to the basic needs of the poor. However, despite the marginal difference in the methodology of the study, there are similarities on the relative causes of kidnaping as a result of certain deprivation factors. Olulowo et’al (2021) conducted a study on an examination of the causes of kidnapping and its attendant challenges in Ogun state, Nigeria. The researchers used descriptive survey method, applying regression analysis model to analyze the causes of kidnapping in Ogun State. The study affirmed that Kidnapping is associated with Poverty and social injustice, lack of employment opportunities and Proliferation of Arms with military uniforms. However, there are differences in geographical location and methodology adopted in the analysis. But study paraded same similarities in the causes and consequences of kidnaping as it create an ambience of fear, distrust and worries among members of the community. Ameh, (2023) conducted a study on terrorism and banditry: implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The study examined the implications of terrorism and banditry on Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The researcher engaged content analysis approach. The study revealed that the impact of terrorism and banditry on Nigeria’s economy, political stability, and social cohesion cannot be overstated. Such impacts have manifested in the form of bombings, kidnappings, armed robbery, and other violent activities. Subsequently resulting in significant loss of lives and properties, displacement of people, economic disruption, damage to Nigeria’s image, and political instability.

METHODOLOGY

This study is a quantitative research that aimed at assessing armed banditry activities on rural markets in Zamfara North. The purposive sampling technique was used in order to select respondents that can give in de-depth insights into the phenomenon. However, a sample of 150 market participants from Shinkafi market, kasuwan-Daji market, Dauran markets were selected for the study. According to Sugiyono (2017) Purposive sampling is a sample selection technique with consideration of certain criteria. Data collection techniques used in this study is distribution of questionnaires containing statements related to the variables studied. 5-point Likert scale analysis was applied. A total number of 145 questionnaires were retrieved from the respondents and considered viable for the analysis of the study.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The study employed Partial Least Square (PLS) with the help of Smart-PLS 4.0 application for the data analysis. The analysis model of PLS uses several steps, namely designing the structural model (inner model), designing the measurement model (outer model), and constructing the path diagram.

Model of the study

In this case a multiple regression model is of great importance in estimating different predictive values.

𝑌= 𝛽𝑂+ 𝛽1𝑋1+ 𝛽2𝑋2+ 𝛽3𝑋3+ 𝜀

where

Y= Rural market operation. (RM)

β0= Constant (coefficient of intercept).

𝑋1= Kidnapping. (KD)

𝑋2= Incessant killing. (IK)

𝑋3= Terrorism. (TM)

𝜀 = Represents the error term in the multiple regression model.

β1…β3= Represents the regression coefficient of the different independent variables of the study which double as the different constricts or forms of banditry that are normally used to terrorize the society. This helps in determining the level of influence that the independent variables (Kidnapping, Incessant killing and Terrorism) on the dependent variable (Rural Market operation). This can be traced to the par

Fig. 2       Graphic of path coefficient model.

Construct Reliability and Validity
	Cronbach’s Alpha	rho_A	Composite Reliability	Average Variance Extracted (AVE)
Incessant killing	0.851	0.869	0.910	0.773
Kidnapping	0.915	0.922	0.932	0.664
Rural market operation	0.947	0.950	0.957	0.760
Terrorism	0.836	0.895	0.873	0.781

 Table 1.  Ringle, et’al (2015). “SmartPLS 3

In analyzing the given table of data above, the statistical measures provided for the constructs: Incessant killing, Kidnapping, Rural market operation, and Terrorism.

Cronbach’s Alpha is a measure of internal consistency or reliability of a set of scale or test items. Values range from 0 to 1. Incessant killing: 0.851, Kidnapping: 0.915, Rural market operation: 0.947 and Terrorism: 0.836 respectively. All constructs in the table have Cronbach’s Alpha values above 0.8, this is indicating a good internal consistency. However, all the constructs are on the high side, showing greater internal consistency, means that the items are well-correlated and consistently measuring the same concept, contributing to the overall reliability and validity of the construct.

rho_A (Dijkstra-Henseler’s rho) in measuring internal consistency reliability, rho_A  fata on Incessant killing: 0.869, Kidnapping: 0.922, Rural market operation: 0.950 and Terrorism: 0.895 respectively, data showing higher value of rho_A above 0.8,  indicate that the items within a construct are consistently measuring the same underlying concept, thereby ensuring the construct’s reliability.

Composite Reliability (CR) assesses the reliability of latent variables in structural equation modeling. Values above 0.7 are generally considered acceptable. The data in incessant killing: 0.910, Kidnapping: 0.932, Rural market operation: 0.957 and Terrorism: 0.873 respectively are above the threshold and suggesting that all the items are well-correlated and consistently measure the same concept, thereby ensuring the construct consistently.

AVE measures the amount of variance captured by a construct in relation to the amount of variance due to measurement error. Values above 0.5 indicate that the construct explains more than half of the variance of its indicators. The data generated indicating Incessant killing: 0.773, Kidnapping: 0.664, Rural market operation: 0.760 and Terrorism: 0.781 respectively. With each recorded value risen above 0.5, this explain that the construct has good convergent validity, meaning that the indicators are well-correlated and effectively capture the underlying concept. Suggesting that these constructs capture a large portion of the variance indicators.

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS 

R Square

	R Square	R Square Adjusted
Incessant killing	0.767	0.765
Kidnapping	0.864	0.863
Terrorism	0.676	0.673

Table 2.   Ringle, et’al (2015). “SmartPLS 3

Above data presents the R-squared and adjusted R-squared values for three independent variables of Incessant killings, Kidnapping, and Terrorism. R-squared represents the proportion of variance in the dependent variable that is explained by the independent variables in the regression model. Adjusted R-squared adjusts for the number of predictors in the model, providing a more reliable measure of model fit, especially when comparing models with different numbers of predictors.

Incessant Killing: R-squared: 0.767 and Adjusted R-squared: 0.765 values suggest that the variable Incessant Killing explains approximately 76.7% of the variance in the dependent variable. When considering the number of predictors in the model, the adjusted R-squared is slightly lower at 76.5%. This variable appears to have a strong explanatory power in the regression model.

Kidnapping: R-squared: 0.864 and Adjusted R-squared: 0.863 values suggest that the variable Kidnapping explains a higher proportion of the variance in the dependent variable compared to Incessant Killing, with an R-squared value of 86.4%. The adjusted R-squared is 86.3%, indicating a very slight decrease when considering the number of predictors. This variable demonstrates even stronger explanatory power in the regression model.

Terrorism: R-squared: 0.676 and Adjusted R-squared: 0.673 values suggest that Terrorism explains a lower proportion of the variance in the dependent variable compared to the other two variables, with an R-squared value of 67.6%. The adjusted R-squared is slightly lower at 67.3%. While this variable still contributes significantly to the model, its explanatory power is comparatively weaker than that of Incessant Killing and Kidnapping.

These results suggest that Kidnapping is the most important predictor among the three variables in explaining the variation in the dependent variable. Incessant Killing also plays a significant role in explaining the dependent variable’s variance but to a slightly lesser extent than Kidnapping. Terrorism appears to have the least impact on explaining the variance in the dependent variable compared to the other two variables.

	Original Sample (O)	Sample Mean (M)	Standard Deviation (STDEV)	T Statistics (|O/STDEV|)	P Values
Incessant killing ->Rural market operation	0.876	0.879	0.022	40.594	0.200
Kidnapping ->Rural market operation	0.930	0.932	0.013	72.149	0.100
Terrorism -> Rural market operation	0.822	0.828	0.025	32.618	0.010

Table 3.  Ringle, et’al (2015). “SmartPLS 3

Above data is a regression analysis, examining the relationship between the dependent variable of Rural market operation and three different independent variables of Incessant killing, Kidnapping, and Terrorism.

Original Sample (O): This column contains the original data values for the relationship between Rural market operation and each independent variable. These values represent the strength or magnitude of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Sample Mean (M): This column provides the mean value of the independent variable for the sample data. It indicates the average value of each independent variable across the sample.

Standard Deviation (STDEV): This column gives the standard deviation of the independent variable for the sample data. Standard deviation measures the dispersion or variability of data points around the mean. A higher standard deviation indicates greater variability in the data.

T Statistics (|O/STDEV|): This column contains the T statistics, calculated as the absolute value of the original sample value divided by the standard deviation. T statistics measure the strength of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, with higher absolute T values indicating stronger relationships.

P Values: This column provides the p-values associated with the T statistics. P-values indicate the probability of obtaining the observed T statistic (or more extreme results) if the null hypothesis were true. In the context of regression analysis, low p-values (typically below a significance level, such as 0.05) suggest that the relationship between the independent and dependent variables is statistically significant.

However, the Original Sample values indicate the original data points representing the relationship between Rural market operation and each independent variable.

The Sample Mean and Standard Deviation values provide summary statistics about each independent variable in the sample.

The T Statistics and P Values indicate the statistical significance of the relationship between Rural market operation” and each dependent variable. The high absolute T values and low p-values (all reported as 0.200, 0.100 & 0.010) suggest that the relationships are statistically significant at conventional levels of significance.

However, researcher discover that incessant killing has a statistically significant impacts on rural market operation and subsequently reduce the level of market participation, affect the social economic and displacement of rural dwellers. This study is in line with the study of Abdullahi (2021), posit that incessant killing destroy socio economic, displacement of people and destroy life and property. Kidnapping has a statistically significant impacts on rural market operation. This activity is becoming rampant in the area, request for ransom has created psychological fear and truncate rural market operation in the area. This study is in line with the study of Olapeju & Peter (2021) and Mohammed & Abdullahi, (2021), concludes that kidnapping is the outcome of banditry that unleash terror on rural dwellers and has a long way foster socio economic hardship in the area. Terrorism has a statistically significant impacts on rural market operation, this is an act of destruction indiscriminately and hinder development. This study is in line with the study of Valentine, (2023). Conclude that bandits are the agent of terrorism and are capable of destroying both human and resources, destroying socioeconomic activities at will.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Zamfara North sovereignty is seriously threatened by armed banditry activities. Rural market participation have been hampered by the unwavering attack unleashing by the bandits. The result shows that incessant Killing of rural market participant have being on the high side, indiscriminative killing scared and reduced rural people participation. Kidnapping goes with request for payment of ransom. Many rural market participant are scared of being kidnaped and therefore avoid market participation. Terrorism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon characterized by the use of violence and intimidation to achieve their goal. Its impact is measured not only by the physical damage inflicted but also by the psychological fear created to the general public.  However, the unleash threats have taken the form of violent crimes, which have caused major property and human casualties, population displacement and economic disruption in Zamfara North.

Recommendations

The researchers recommended that policymakers, security agencies, and community leaders should work together to effectively address the specific security challenges posed by incessant killing, kidnapping and terrorism on  rural market operation in the areas as this will ultimately enhancing safety, stability, and resilience in these communities. These recommendations include;

Policymakers to invest on Intervention Programs: Implement targeted intervention programs aimed at addressing the root causes of incessant killing in rural communities, such as poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, and interpersonal conflicts. These programs could include youth empowerment initiatives, vocational training, and mental health support services. This will reduce and minimize the level of killings within the rural arrears by the bandits and it will enhance rural market operation in the zone.

Policymakers to Enhancing Security Measures: Implement proactive security measures, including increased surveillance, border control, and intelligence gathering, to deter kidnapping incidents in rural areas. Strengthening security infrastructure and deploying specialized units focused on anti-kidnapping operations can help to prevent and respond to kidnapping threats effectively. This will reduce the fear of being kidnapped in the market arena and enhance the social cultural activities in the zone.

Intelligence Sharing and Collaboration: Foster collaboration among law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and local communities to enhance intelligence sharing and coordination in detecting and disrupting terrorist activities in rural areas. Establishing joint task forces and information-sharing platforms can facilitate timely responses to emerging security threats.

Community Resilience Building: Implement community resilience-building programs to empower rural communities to resist radicalization and violent extremism. Promote social cohesion, interfaith dialogue, and youth engagement initiatives to strengthen community bonds and mitigate the appeal of extremist ideologies. Engage multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, law enforcement, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and private sector actors, in collaborative efforts to address security issues in rural communities.

Community-Based Conflict Resolution: Implement community-based conflict resolution programs that engage local stakeholders, including community leaders, elders, and youth, to identify and address underlying tensions and grievances. These programs should focus on fostering dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation processes to resolve disputes peacefully and prevent escalation into violence.

Intelligence Sharing and Collaboration: Strengthen collaboration and information sharing between law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and community members to improve early detection and response to security threats. Establish mechanisms for reporting suspicious activities, sharing intelligence on potential threats, and coordinating joint operations to disrupt criminal networks involved in Incessant killing, Kidnapping, and Terrorism.

Socio-Economic Development Initiatives: Invest in socio-economic development initiatives aimed at addressing root causes of violence and insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services. This can include job creation programs, skills training, education, and infrastructure development projects targeted at marginalized communities, and prevent most vulnerable recruitment by extremist groups or involvement in criminal activities. By addressing these underlying socio-economic factors, communities can become more resilient to radicalization and violence, reducing the prevalence of Incessant killing, Kidnapping, and Terrorism.

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