EXPLORING THE PHENOMENON OF CATTLE RUSTLING IN NORTHERN NIGERIA AND ITS IMPACT ON PEACE AND SECURITY IN BAUCHI AND PLATEAU STATES
Danliti Halliru Haruna
Volume 11 Issue 2
Abstract
Cattle rustling has emerged as a significant security threat in northern Nigeria in recent years. This phenomenon has severely impacted peace and security in the region by fostering distrust among communities, displacing populations, and exacerbating socio-economic instability. This study examines the phenomenon of cattle rustling in Northern Nigeria, with a specific focus on Bauchi and Plateau States. Grounded in Robert Merton’s strain theory, the study employs a cross-sectional survey research design and utilizes a qualitative approach to data collection. The target population includes Fulani herders, local Fulani chiefs, leaders and officials of the cattle breeders' association, cattle dealers, and security personnel. Purposive (judgmental) non-probability sampling was used to select participants, and data were analyzed thematically. .Findings indicate that cattle rustling poses a severe security challenge, leading to the loss of livestock and human lives, destruction of property, and heightened insecurity in affected communities. .The study concludes that cattle rustling significantly undermines livestock rearing and contributes to rural impoverishment. Its far-reaching consequences on livelihoods, peaceful coexistence, and intergroup relations present serious challenges to regional stability. To mitigate cattle rustling, security agencies must conduct thorough investigations to dismantle cattle rustling networks, and the use of modern technology such as animal tracking systems to link each cow to its rightful owner; victims of cattle rustling should be assisted in order to cushion the debilitating impacts of cattle rustling on them. Keywords: Cattle Rustling, Banditry, Conflict, Insecurity, Peace, Security.
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