ARMED BANDITRY IN NIGERIA'S NORTHWEST REGION: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICE DELIVERY

Abstract

Armed banditry has emerged as a critical security challenge in Nigeria’s Northwest region, with profound implications for human security and public service delivery. This study examined the impact of armed banditry on healthcare service delivery in Nigeria's Northwest region, within the framework of Human Security Theory. The study was guided by three research objectives: to examine the ways in which armed banditry has disrupted healthcare infrastructure and service delivery in Northwest Nigeria; to analyse its implications for healthcare infrastructure, personnel and patient access and to evaluate its broader implications for achieving Nigeria’s UHC targets. The study adopted a qualitative descriptive research design, relying on secondary data drawn from academic literature, policy documents and institutional reports. Data were analysed using thematic and content analysis. The findings revealed that armed banditry has precipitated a multidimensional healthcare crisis in the Northwest, characterised by the closure of primary healthcare centres, mass displacement of health workers, reduced access to medical services, disruption of medical supply chains, heightened vulnerability of women and children and a significant increase in conflict-related morbidity and mortality. The study concluded that persistent insecurity and its cumulative effects pose a grave threat to UHC attainment in the region. The study recommended integrated security and health policy interventions, including strengthening healthcare infrastructure, protecting health personnel and enhancing state capacity in conflict-affected areas.