CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background to the Study

Globally, the rate of crime is alarming but more worrisome is the involvement of youth that constitute a large percentage of the world population and they are, the leaders of tomorrow (Uzuegbu and Ogbofa, 2020). Nigeria is among the developing countries of the world, and is experiencing a prevalence of rising crime waves, criminal intentions and varying degree of delinquencies. The nature of these crimes include armed robbery, murder, car theft, burglary, gambling, smuggling, human trafficking, kidnapping, drug trafficking, internet scam, advanced fee fraud (419) and other illegal activities (Eyegbeleye, 2005; Adebayo, 2013).

Almost everywhere and around Nigeria cities, the atmosphere is bedeviled with criminal menace being wrecked on law-abiding members of the Nigerian public by criminals. The highway has now become a theatre for frequent robbers, car snatching and murder, while homes of the rich and the poor are targets of daily murderous campaigns by hoodlums (Ushie 2000). There are reports of crimes committed mostly by the youths at virtually every corner of the country. Youth’s involvement in criminality has become an integral part of the nation’s daily life (Adebayo, 2013).

Adebayo (2013) posited that crime is a threat to the fabric of society, it instills fear into the populace and causes unnecessary pain, agony, loss of lives and properties. It is also a threat to the security and stability of society. Crime must be reduced drastically for any country to have sustainable security, socio-economic growth and development.  Youthfulness is a period of change from the reliance of childhood to adulthood freedom and being aware of the need to work with other members of the society to help achieve the goals and objectives of the society (U.N.Y 2019).Youth is an important development phase in human life and the most energetic forces of the society. Different characters, structures, goals, and temperaments have been reflected in their life due to the impact of socio-economic status (Konch and Borbora, 2013).

Nowadays, some innocent young boys and girls have become mentally and psychologically restless and impatient as a direct result of an endless uncertainty and insecurity that is engulfing them from most corners (Hasan, 2018). According to the FBI Statistics (2022), most crimes are committed by adolescents. Generally adolescence is a time of heightened vulnerability and we have to rethink adolescence as adolescence itself is changing. Nowadays adolescence begins much earlier, and it ends much later (Steinberg, 2015).

The causes of crime are multiple and could be traced to bio-genetic factors such as genetic mutation and heredity Horton (1939), psychological factors such as personality disorders Abramson (1994) and sociological factors such as learning environment Sutherlands (1939).  Nigeria was ranked as the second country with highest crime rates in Africa (Statista, 2024). Murder often accompanies minor burglaries. Rich Nigerians lives in highly secured compounds and even the police in some states are empowered to 'Shoot on Sight' violent crimes (F.T 2009). These crimes are being carried out with more perfection and sophistication. This has led to the formation of various vigilante groups, to combat crimes in some parts of the country (Fejemirokun et al., 2006).

1.1 Statement of the Research Problem

Most studies of crime and insecurity around the world identify a “youth factor” as a crucial component in the creation or maintenance of crime. This issue is exacerbated by the tendency to overlook young people's potential contributions to societal stability and peace ( Solaja, and Olawunmi, 2015). Youths are referred to as a possible security threat by the United Nations High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges, and Change, which highlights how factors such as industrialization, lack of employment, and a growing young population can contribute to conflicts and instability. In Nigeria, the unemployment rate has risen from 33% in the previous year to 41% in 2023, a situation that aggravates youth criminality (National Bureau of Statistics, 2023).

Youth involvement in criminal activities stems from factors such as parental failure, news media influence, low self-esteem, poverty, hunger, peer pressure, idleness, and unemployment. Many youths see crime as a means of gaining a sense of belonging (Okoroafor, 2023). Adebayo (2013) noted that unemployed youth in Nigeria experience deprivation, frustration, and acute want, pushing them towards crime. Nigeria's escalating crime rates, coupled with ineffective crime control mechanisms, have led to severe societal challenges, including armed robbery, human trafficking, fraud, and corruption (Dölek and Adeleke, 2023). In the northeastern part of Nigeria, extremist organizations like Boko Haram and its offshoot divisions have caused extensive bloodshed, attacks on people, and displacement (Smith, 2019). The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has been working nonstop to combat this widespread crime; as a result, there have been over 976 convictions in 2020, 2220 convictions in 2021, and 3,785 convictions in 2022. A significant number of individuals are at the top of the wanted list in 2024 (EFCC, 2022).

There have also been several noteworthy cases of human trafficking in Nigeria. A total of 1,634 cases of human trafficking with victims occurred in Nigeria in 2023, according to reports from the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (2024) and the U.S. Department of State (2023). Of these, 841 victims were trafficked for sex, 543 for labour, and 250 victims were trafficked for unspecified purposes.

 Nigeria has also seen a high rate of environmental crime. Illegal mining operations, especially in areas like Zamfara, Benue, Nasarawa, and Bauchi that have abundant natural resources like gold and oil, have been linked to social instability, war, and environmental damage. The explosion that occurred on January 16, 2024, in the Bodija neighbourhood of Ibadan, the state capital of Oyo, stands out as an example of environmental crime in Nigeria. According to state governor Seyi Makinde, the incident was caused by illegal miners who had stashed explosive devices in buildings. Since Nigeria's independence, electoral crime has had a negative impact on the political system because it has always been a tool for determining who will have national authority. About 197 persons were named by the Independent National Electoral Commission to face charges related to electoral violations also, during the 2023 elections, the Nigeria Police Force arrested roughly 774 people for various electoral offences, and 215 case files were turned over to the commission (Habib, 2023). Crimes of this magnitudes have coexisted “peacefully” in Nigeria since the country's founding; cases of these crimes and more, including those whose names are still unknown, continue to rear their ugly heads.  These crimes not only affect victims but also generate widespread fear and anxiety, which hinders societal cohesion (Muhammad, 2008).

Addressing youth involvement in crime is crucial for societal development. Youth criminality has significant implications for both individuals and the society at large. For individuals, it limits their capacity to contribute meaningfully to societal goals, while for society, it tarnishes family reputations and creates insecurity that restricts freedom of movement. Tackling the root causes, especially unemployment, is essential to securing a sustainable future (Okoye and Mathias, 2024)

Usman et al.,(2012) conduct an Investigation on the Rate of Crime in Sokoto State Using Principal Component Analysis who disclosed  that the highest and commonly committed crimes in Sokoto State among crime against person are Assault and  grievous harm and wounding, while Store breaking is the highest committed crime against property.  Evidence from the Criminal Investigation Department of Sokoto State Police Headquarters reveals varying patterns of crime, with assault being the most prevalent crime against persons and store-breaking against property (Musa and Zoramawa, 2012). Despite having a relatively low crime rate overall, Sokoto State ranks as one of the most affected by banditry in Nigeria, following Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Niger states ( Abdul Aziz, 2022). In line with the above, the study aimed at assessing the youth criminality particularly in Sokoto North Local Government Area.

1.2       Research Questions

The research questions are as follows:

1.      What are the various nature and types of crimes committed by the youths in Sokoto North Local Government Area?

2.      What are the causes of crimes being committed by the youths in Sokoto North Local Government Area?

3.      What are the consequences of crime among the youth in Sokoto North Local Government Area?

4.      What are the challenges faced by security agencies in curtailing youth criminality in Sokoto North Local Government Area?

1.3       Aim and Objectives of the Study

 The specific objectives of the study are as follows:

1.      Examine the various nature and types of crimes committed by the youth in Sokoto North Local Government Area

2.      Identified the causes of crimes being committed by youths in Sokoto North Local Government Area

3.      Ascertain the consequences of crime among the youth in Sokoto North Local Government Area

4.      Find out the challenges faced by security agencies in curtailing youth criminality in Sokoto North Local Government Area

1.4       Significance of the study

This study will be significant in the following ways:

1.      The study will provide a foundation for future research into effective strategies for mitigate and preventing crimes among youth, including public awareness campaigns and community involvement. The findings may inspire new studies on collaborative approaches on effective strategies to curb crimes, and the academic community will benefit from the study through citations, assessments, and constructive criticism.

2.      The study will offer policymakers evidence-based recommendations for addressing youth criminality, including enhancing public awareness campaigns, providing employment opportunities, poverty eradication programmes addressing systemic inequality and free-education programmes among others. These insights will support the development of policies aimed at a multifaceted approach to crime prevention more especially among youth in Sokoto North Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Nigeria.

3.      The study will provide the security agencies and community stakeholders with some insights on how to increase efforts in addressing the challenges faced in combating youth criminality in Sokoto North Local Government by improving community collaboration, intelligence sharing, and coordinated responses to youth criminality. Addressing resource challenges and cooperating with local community leaders will further strengthen crime control efforts.

4.      The study will benefit society by supporting community outreach programs, workshops, and school initiatives to educate the public on the effect of youth criminality. Community committees and shared responsibility among NGOs, religious groups, and individuals will play a proactive role in crime prevention among the youth in Sokoto North Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Nigeria.

5.      The study will alert religious leaders to the rising issue of youth criminality in Sokoto North Local Government, urging them to leverage their influence to promote teachings that highlight the dangers of youth’s involvement into criminal activities.

1.5       Scope and Limitations of the Study

The scope of this study will rely on the practical nature, causes and the possible solution of crime among the youth, as well as strategic solution to security measures and challenges of government and law abiding citizens of Sokoto State. The spatial coverage of area of conducting the research is limited to Sokoto North Local Government Area of Sokoto State. 

1.6 Operational Definition of Key Terms

Assessment: This refers to examining and understanding the reasons behind youth criminality, the types of crimes they commit, and the factors that contribute to such behaviors in Sokoto North Local Government Area.

Crime: Simply means an intentional act that violates the criminal law enacted by the state which attract punishment (negative sanctions) from the state. It can be consider as felony or misdemeanor.

Criminality: Means any actions or behaviors that break the law, such as theft, robbery, assault, drug-related offenses, or other crimes associated with youths in Sokoto North Local Government Area

Sokoto North: This is an area in Sokoto State, Nigeria, known as Sokoto North Local Government Area, which is the specific location where this research is conducted.

Youth: This refers to young people, usually between the ages of 15 to 35, as defined by Nigeria's National Youth Policy. In this study, it specifically includes young individuals living in Sokoto North Local Government Area.

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