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 Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi

, Vol , No ,



VICTIMOLOGICAL STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING BANDITRY VICTIMS AND ENHANCING NATIONAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA



Abstract

Banditry has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most severe internal-security challenges, particularly in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina States. Thousands of citizens have been displaced, livelihoods lost, and public confidence in state institutions eroded. This conceptual paper examines victimological strategies for addressing the plight of banditry victims and enhancing national security. Drawing on the Victimological Theory of Justice and the Restorative-Justice Framework, the paper synthesizes current Nigerian and international literature to propose a Victimological, Security Nexus Model. Findings reveal that effective victim management, through rehabilitation, compensation, and empowerment, is indispensable to sustainable peace and legitimacy. The paper concludes that national security must be re-envisioned as human security, with victims recognized as central agents of stability. Policy recommendations emphasize coordinated institutional reform, victim participation, restorative-justice programs, and integration of victimology into Nigeria’s security education and governance systems.


Key words: Victimological Strategies, Banditry Victims, National security, Nigeria

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