By Okonkwo Ezenwa
Nigeria is a country that has struggled with crime for many years. From kidnappings to armed robberies and a Gucci snake swallowing N36 million, Nigerians have faced a wide range of criminal activities. In recent times, there has been a renewed focus on tackling crime in the country, with the government and law enforcement agencies implementing various strategies to curb criminal activities. However, the problem persists, and it is important to examine the underlying issues that contribute to the high levels of crime in Nigeria.
One of the primary factors that contribute to crime in Nigeria is poverty. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, as of 2019, over 40% of Nigerians lived in poverty, with a poverty rate of 52.9% in rural areas. Poverty creates an environment where people are more likely to engage in criminal activities in order to survive. This is particularly true in areas where there are limited economic opportunities, such as the Northeastern part of the country where the Boko Haram insurgency is ongoing.
The high level of poverty in Nigeria has contributed to the proliferation of different forms of crime, with Internet fraud and kidnapping amongst the most rampant. In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of kidnappings across Nigeria, with both locals and foreigners being targeted. In 2020, the Nigerian police reported 2,430 cases of kidnapping, with 1,108 persons kidnapped within the first six months of the year alone. Most of these kidnappings are for ransom, with the victims being held hostage until their families pay the demanded amount. In addition, the spate of kidnappings has contributed to the breakdown of law and order in some parts of the country, with some communities resorting to vigilante justice in the absence of a strong security presence, a confirmation of the downward spiral Nigeria is currently in.
Another factor that contributes to crime in Nigeria is unemployment. According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, the unemployment rate in Nigeria as of 2020 was 33.3%. This means that there are millions of young Nigerians who are unable to find employment, which makes them vulnerable to criminal activities. Unemployed young people are often easily recruited by criminal gangs to carry out various criminal activities, including armed robbery and kidnapping.
Armed robbery is another form of crime that is prevalent in Nigeria. In some parts of the country, especially in Lagos, the commercial capital of the Africa’s largest nation, armed robbers often target homes, businesses, and individuals. They carry out their operations in a brazen manner, with some of them using sophisticated weapons to overpower their victims. In 2020, the Nigerian police reported a total of 3,471 cases of armed robbery, with the majority of the incidents occurring in urban areas.
The issue of corruption is also a major contributor to crime in Nigeria. Corruption has permeated all levels of society, from government officials to law enforcement agents. The lack of accountability for corrupt activities makes it easier for criminals to carry out their activities without fear of punishment. This is particularly true in cases of white-collar crime, where corrupt officials use their positions to embezzle funds and engage in other fraudulent activities.
In 2018, the Nigerian government announced that it had recovered over $3 billion from corrupt officials in the past four years. The money was recovered through the government’s anti-corruption campaign, which has seen the prosecution of several high-profile individuals, including former governors, ministers, and senior government officials. Big question: can the recovered funds be accounted for? Or were they yet ‘looted’ again? It is no wonder that corruption remains a major issue in the country, with the perception of corruption among Nigerians remaining high.
Furthermore, the lack of trust in law enforcement agencies is another contributing factor to crime in Nigeria. According to a survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics, as of 2017, only 25% of Nigerians had confidence in the police force. If that survey is conducted today, it is safe to say that figure might be slashed in half – if not, worse.
This lack of trust stems from various issues, including reports of police brutality, corruption, and inefficiency. In some cases, the police have been accused of colluding with criminals, making it difficult for citizens to report crimes or seek justice.
Cybercrime is an emerging issue in Nigeria that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. With the growing use of technology and the internet, cybercriminals have found new ways to commit crimes, including hacking, phishing, identity theft, cyber fraud, and online scams. Unfortunately, Nigeria has gained notoriety for the activities of some of its citizens in the cybercrime world, particularly with the so-called “Yahoo-Yahoo boys” aka “G-Boys”, to the chargrin and vexation of decent hardworking Nigerians.
The ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’ boys, who are mostly young Nigerians, engage in cyber fraud by creating fake profiles on social media platforms, dating sites, and online marketplaces to deceive unsuspecting victims into parting with their money. In some cases, they use advanced techniques to gain access to personal information and financial accounts, leaving their victims vulnerable to identity theft and financial ruin. The activities of these cybercriminals have earned Nigeria a reputation as a hub for online scams, and it is something that the government and law enforcement agencies are working hard to address.
In a bid to check the cyber-fraud pandemic, another menace was born – police brutality. Derailing from their original job description, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Nigerian Police, took it upon themselves to fish out these cybercriminals.
Their modus operandi involved randomly stopping and searching youngsters and unlawful arrests in the name of ‘raids’. In most cases, these officers hold victims hostage in a minibus popularly called ‘korope’, while they unlawfully peruse their phones and laptops searching for any incriminating ‘exhibits.’
Their targets were mostly youths who looked and dressed a certain type of way. If you were young, drove a car, had tattoos or piercing, donning dreadlocks, braids or tinted hair, you were most likely a SARS target. Top it all by using an iPhone and you were automatically profiled as a ‘G-Boy” – to be harassed, extorted, maimed and even killed by these trigger-happy officers of the law. Ironically, most of these officers had at fit into one or more of these stereotypes – brandishing tattoos, dreads and abusing substances.
With too many bright lives getting wasted by this ‘special squad’, it was no surprise when the EndSARS movement sprung in 2022. The EndSARS movement was a protest against police brutality, particularly by SARS. The protests, which were mostly peaceful, called for an end to police ruthlessness and the reform of the police force. However, the protests were met with violence, with the Nigerian army reportedly shooting at protesters in Lagos – Lekki Tollgate, to be exact – resulting in the death of several people.
To address the issue of crime in Nigeria, there is a need for a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying factors that contribute to criminal activities. One of the key strategies is to address the issue of poverty by creating economic opportunities for Nigerians, particularly in rural areas. This can be achieved through the provision of basic infrastructure, such as roads and electricity, as well as the implementation of policies that encourage investments in various sectors of the economy.
In addition, there is a need to address the issue of corruption, particularly within law enforcement agencies. This can be achieved through the implementation of reforms that increase transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. There should also be adequate funding for law enforcement agencies, as well as the provision of training and equipment to improve their efficiency.
To address the issue of police brutality and inefficiency, there is a need for police reform. This should include the establishment of an independent oversight body to investigate complaints of police misconduct, as well as the provision of training and resources to improve the professionalism of the police force. There should also be a focus on community policing, which involves the active involvement of communities in the policing process.
In conclusion, crime is a significant issue in Nigeria, and it is important to examine the underlying factors that contribute to the high levels of criminal activities. Poverty, unemployment, corruption, and a lack of trust in law enforcement agencies are some of the key factors that need to be addressed. To tackle crime in Nigeria, there is a need for a multifaceted approach that addresses these underlying issues, as well as the implementation of policies and reforms that encourage transparency, accountability, and efficiency in law enforcement agencies. With these strategies in place, it is possible to significantly reduce the incidence of crime in Nigeria and create a safer environment for its citizens.
After all is said and done, may you be safe from the menace of crime prowling with disgusting gusto in these lands. May Nigeria not happen to you.
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