Rural Poverty and Neglect Are Fuelling Insecurity in Nigeria, Scholar Says
Professor Sakah Saidu Mahmud says rural underdevelopment, poverty and the neglect of rural communities are major structural drivers of insecurity in Nigeria. He made the remarks at the maiden Faculty Lecture of the University of Offa’s Faculty of Management and Social Sciences in Kwara State. Mahmud said weak government presence in some rural areas has allowed bandits to establish influence, allegedly collect taxes, punish residents and operate parallel systems of authority. He argued that poverty can also push vulnerable people into acting as informants or collaborators for criminal groups. He called for integrated rural development focused on infrastructure, education, jobs and poverty reduction. According to him, stronger political will and more research into the social and economic roots of crime are needed to reduce the spaces in which bandits and other criminal groups operate. The university’s vice-chancellor said the institution has expanded its student population, faculties and ICT-focused programmes since 2025.
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