SS54-03 BANDITRY AND TERRORISM IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR JOB INSECURITY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Abstract Introduction Banditry are criminal groups, driven by non-ideological but economically motivated actions, traceable to ethno-religious conflicts, political incitement, economic factors among others. They terrorize villagers, informal economy operators and road users in achieving their goals. Their actions have caused internal displacement, disruption of livelihoods, food insecurity, anxiety, unemployment, inflation and poverty, among others. Adopting Queer Ladder Theory (QLT) and Frustration-Aggression Theory (FAT), the paper assesses how banditry has contributed to job insecurity and occupational health of the workforces in Nigeria. Materials and Methods The study uses secondary data and desk research methods, which include documentaries, newspapers, magazines, national statistics, web information. Key informant interviews were also conducted. Results The results indicate that large-scale theft, armed robbery, sexual assault, pillage, destruction of farmlands, ransom taking, extortion, killings have a lot of implications for job insecurity in the affected areas. The occupational health of workers in all sectors is in jeopardy, as they are endangered with no precautionary measures, safety or protective gadgets and their death constitute health hazards. Conclusion The paper suggests adequate security apparatuses, ethno-religious tolerance, employment opportunities for youths and young adults, re-orientation of citizenry, emphasis on citizenship, effective and result-orientated social policy, good governance, and education among others as ways of reducing banditry, enhancing job security and wellbeing of workers.