<p>This study analyses the internationalization of banditry and how it is shaped by limited statehood in the contiguous border regions of southwest Niger and northwest Nigeria. It relies on first-hand perspectives gathered covertly and directly from the residents and victims. The primary drivers and enablers of banditry in the regions include multidimensional poverty, multiple conflict profile and perceived injustice, border porosity, arms trafficking, geography among others. The strength of this paper lies in the detailed exploration of a less studied nexus of borders, banditry and statehood. The study yields insights on the impacts of armed banditry − manifesting in civilian onslaught, kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling and destruction of cross-border trade. The article offers direction on the policy imperatives for combatting armed banditry in southwest Niger and northwest Nigeria.</p>