Cattle Rustling Violence: Exploring the Drivers and Its Implications on Peace and Socio-Economic Development in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The menace of cattle rustling violence in Northern Nigeria has been problematique since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999. Cattle rustling has transited from its traditional origin and formation to an organised crime and criminality, orchestrated by both pastoral and non-pastoral syndicates, characterized by violent attacks and reprisal attacks leading to several lost of life and property. By juxtaposing both the traditional and contemporary understanding of cattle rustling phenomenon, the paper seeks to identify major drivers and predisposing factors responsible for cattle rustling as well as its implications on peace and socio-economic development in Northern Nigeria. The paper argued that, climate related issues; inflow of illegal arms; insurgency; ungoverned forest spaces; internationalisation and commercialisation of cattle rustling; rising cost of livestock; nomadic pattern of grazing; porous boarders; lack of good governance among others are some of the major predisposing factors that influence cattle rustling in Northern Nigeria. However, the paper concludes that, cattle rustling as an organise crime has enormous implications on peace and socio-economic development. The situation is currently threatening not only the existing fragile peace but also Nigeria’s aspirations for achieving food sufficient in no distance future. In undertaking this research, the paper explored content analysis of the existing literature and unstructured focus group discussion with pastoralists who are once victims of rustling violence in their lifetime.