Borders Monitoring and Armed Banditry

Challenges to Peace and Stability in Niger Republic

Abstract

Border insecurity in the Republic of Niger has been exacerbated by porous entry points, weak institutional capacity, and inadequate surveillance, creating conditions for armed banditry, insurgency, and cross-border criminality. Despite government interventions, responses have been slow, costly, and largely ineffective, fuelling public scepticism about the state's capacity to guarantee safety and stability. This study examines the relationship between border monitoring and armed banditry as a central c h a l l e n g e t o p e a c e i n N i g e r. D r a w i n g o n frustration–aggression, resource access, and conspiracy theories, and employing a historical–descriptive method with secondary data, it identifies key drivers of banditry, including the proliferation of small arms, the influx of excombatants from neighbouring conflict zones, and rising youth unemployment. Findings reveal that weak surveillance, corruption at border points, and ungoverned rural spaces enable bandits to mount violent attacks, disrupt livelihoods, and intensify displacement. The study concludes that an effective response requires a multidimensional approach: integrating technology into border management, institutionalising intelligence-sharing and coordinated patrols with neighbouring states, and addressing socioeconomic triggers through employment creation and community engagement. Strengthening these measures is vital for safeguarding Niger's territorial integrity and promoting sustainable peace.