Geospatial hotspots mapping of banditry/kidnapping in USSA and Takum local government area of Taraba state

Banditry and kidnapping are an organized crime committed by outlaws typically involving the threat or use of violence and unlawful abduction and confinement of a person against their will, it is a heinous crime posing a great security challenge to the democratic governance and peaceful coexistence of a community or country. This study aims to provide an overview of the geospatial hotspot mapping of banditry and kidnapping in Ussa and Takum local government areas of Taraba State with the objectives to map out banditry and kidnapping hotspot in the study area, to examine the spatial pattern of settlement within the study area and to investigate the socio-economic and environmental factors that correlate with the hotspots of banditry and kidnapping and to analyze the land use land cover (LULC) changes. The utilization of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, satellite imagery, settlement data and administrative boundaries has help in identifying areas with high levels of criminal activity, known as hotspots, and analyze the underlying factors contributing to these patterns. Through the collection and analysis of data on reported incidents of banditry and kidnapping, has help in creating maps that highlighted the distribution of these crimes within the study area. The information collected was overlayed with data on socio-economic factors, such as population density, poverty rates, and access to infrastructure, to identify potential risk factors associated with criminal activity in these areas. Geospatial hotspot mapping of banditry and kidnapping in this area has enabled researchers to identify temporal patterns in criminal activity, this will allow government and law enforcement agencies to allocate resources more effectively and respond proactively to emerging threats. The findings mapped out comprehensive overview of bandit attacks hotspot areas in Taraba State between 2021 to 2023. Moreover, the study highlighted vulnerable elements which need government attention, interventions and security actions as a result of bandit’s attacks such as settlements, roads and schools, this project also recognized other social infrastructures at the high risk of attacks by bandits which includes healthcare facilities, water sources and markets places. The study revealed that more banditry attacks were recorded in Takum, Ussa LGAS of Taraba state sharing boundaries with each other.

Visualizing trends in criminal activity over time, researchers have been able to identify potential patterns and predict future hotspots, allowing for more targeted intervention strategies in the area