Unmasking Political Complicity in Armed Banditry: A Study of Elite Interests and Insecurity in Zamfara State, Nigeria (2019–2024)

The study observed that for the past five years, Zamfara State has been the epicenter of armed banditry in Nigeria with terrible effects for local people and state authorities. Moreover, the study also explained thatthe menace has numerous dynamics but, the potential part of political actors in maintaining or profiting from the violence has attracted increasing attention. This study looks at the connection between ongoing insecurity in Zamfara from 2019 to 2024 and elite activities in the state. It critically investigates claims of unofficial alliances, politically motivated talks and the instrumentalisation of violence throughout election cycles. Using mainly secondary sources of data that includes policy briefings, NGO reports, investigative journalism, studies by academics as well as elites theory. The study found out how armed groups and political elites have used insecurity for strategic gain given the erosion of confidence in official government institutions. The study concluded that there is the pressing need for honesty, institutional responsibility and a more thorough investigation of the manner in which politics drive the ongoing violent conflict in Zamfara State.