Banditry in Nigeria has evolved from a localised rural criminal network into a complex political economy that has essentially impacted on inter-group harmony in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North-Central geo-political zones. This paper, examined the political economy of banditry and its implications on inter group relations in Nigeria from 2011 and 2025. The study, based on a qualitative research design, and grounded in both primary and secondary data, examined the structural factors behind banditry such as elite predation, competition over natural resources, unemployment, poor governance, and proliferation of small arms. The study employed the use of the Relative Deprivation Theory and the Political Economy Theory as frameworks for analysis. Findings revealed that banditry has metamorphosed into a well-organised criminal enterprise sustained by ransom economies, illicit arms trade, and cattle rustling networks, which in turn has impacted on inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations among the Hausa, Fulani, Gwari, Kadara, and other communities. The study established that a breakdown in trust between herding and farming communities has led to increased violence, displacement, and food insecurity in the region, and Nigeria as a whole. It recommended the implementation of effective community-based conflict resolution processes, equal resource distribution, economic empowerment for youths, inter-community communication systems, and improved security governance. The study concluded that sustainable intergroup harmony must address the structural origins of banditry rather than depending solely on selective military approaches
Eleazar Charisma Monday (Sat,) studied this question.