Human Security and Islamic Criminal Justice: Evaluating the Response to Kidnapping and Rural Banditry in North-West and North-Central Nigeria.

Abstract

Kidnapping and rural banditry have become major threats to human security in North West and North
Central Nigeria, causing widespread socio-economic disruption, displacement, and psychological trauma
(Human Rights Watch, 2026; Reuters, 2025). Despite intensified military operations and state security
interventions, insecurity persists, highlighting the limitations of predominantly militarized responses that
neglect underlying socio-economic and governance challenges. This study examines the relationship
between human security and Islamic criminal justice in addressing kidnapping and rural banditry in the
affected regions. Anchored on the Human Security Framework and Islamic Criminal Justice Theory, the
study adopts a qualitative approach based on content analysis of secondary sources, including academic
literature, policy reports, and media publications. Findings reveal that state-led security responses have
achieved limited success because they inadequately address structural causes of violence and community
trust deficits. The study further finds that Islamic criminal justice principles such as sulh (reconciliation),
adl (justice), and restorative mediation continue to shape local conflict resolution practices, although they
remain weakly integrated into formal security frameworks. The article concludes that sustainable responses
to insecurity require a multidimensional approach that combines statutory law enforcement with
community-based and culturally legitimate justice mechanisms. It recommends stronger collaboration
between state institutions, religious leaders, and local communities to enhance human security,
peacebuilding, and long-term stability in Nigeria.