THE ROLE OF GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) IN COMBATING ARMED BANDITRY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examines the role of Global Positioning System (GPS) in combating armed banditry in Nigeria. Routine Activity Theory is adopted as the theoretical framework. The GPS technology navigates the position of a person and objects on the World Google Map. The system is used by the security agents in crime prevention and control. GPS applications are widely use today by individuals and organizations. Armed banditry has recently become one of the insecurities affecting Nigeria. The bandits attack day and night in large numbers using motorbikes which give them advantage to escape immediately before the arrival of the security agents. Large forests in Nigeria are governed by bandits and terrorists. The ungoverned spaces are becoming red zones and no-go areas. The application of GPS technology can assist in navigating the movement and positions of armed bandits in areas they operate. GPS can track armed bandits and inform the security agents the locations and routes. This can help in detecting the cross-border bandits, organized criminals and arms traffickers. The application of GPS becomes imperative in detecting and combating security challenges such as armed banditry, Lakurawa, Boko Haram, insurgency, terrorism, militancy and secession movement in Nigeria. Military operations would be successful by employing GPS technology in combating insecurity across the country. Today, technology such as GPS become relevant in tracking criminality. The positions and movement of criminals are always detected by the GPS helping security personnel to launch attack and neutralize criminals in their positions. The use of GPS among the security forces become a serious challenge. The paper recommends that, Federal Government through the Ministry of Defense should employ the use of GPS technology in the fight against armed banditry. Security forces should be enlightened on the use of the GPS. This can help in combating armed banditry, militancy and insurgency in the country.