European Scientific Journal February 2014 edition vol.10, No.4 ISSN: 1857 – 7881 (Print) e - ISSN 1857- 7431 350 BANDITRY AND CRISIS OF PUBLIC SAFETY IN NIGERIA: ISSUES IN NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGICS Okoli, Al Chukwuma Okpaleke Francis Department of Political Science, Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria Abstract This paper examines the phenomenon of banditry in relation to contemporary crisis of public safety in Nigeria. Relying on exegesis of relevant secondary sources, the paper posits that banditry constitutes a serious threat to Nigeria’s public safety and, by extension, national security. The paper recommends, among other things, a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) approach to policing as a means of addressing the rising prevalence of banditry in Nigeria. Keywords: Banditry, public safety; national security; armed robbery; kidnapping Introduction Banditry means occurrence or prevalence of armed robbery or violent crime. It involves the use of force, or threat to that effect, to intimidate a person with the intent to rob rape or kill. Banditry is a crime against persons. It has been a common genre of crime, as well as cause violence in contemporary societies (Nigeria Watch, 2011). The prevalence of banditry in Nigeria appears to have been high and rising over the years. According to Rotberg (2007:33), ‘‘crime against persons, including murder, rape, and robbery has grown in scale and viciousness in Nigeria since 1999”. This has been demonstrated by the pervasive trend of armed robbery in the country, which in effect mirrors the Africa-wide experience. In this regard, Onimode: Car snatching robbery of homes and offices, way-laying of travellers (high-way robbery) are common forms of armed robbery in African countries. Their incidence has been rising since the African crises started in the 1980s (2001:37).