ACQUISITIVE CRIMES, YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT, AND INTERNAL SECURITY CHALLENGES IN IBADAN METROPOLIS OF OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study contributes to the literature on the impact of youth unemployment and effective policing on increasing violent acquisitive crimes in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. The persistent arrest of 15-35-year-olds as suspects in criminal activities highlights the need for understanding the factors influencing youth participation in crime and identifying appropriate strategies to reduce insecurity in Nigerian cities. The study utilised the Relative Deprivation Theory and a purposive sampling method to analyse data drawn from 498 respondents who are community members with security experience and operating within the 5 local governments in Ibadan Metropolis. The data collected through the survey was analysed and reported using simple descriptive analysis and percentage statistics. The study reveals that 64% of the respondents identified youth unemployment as prevalent in Ibadan's urban areas, and 93% agreed that low employment opportunities for youth increase acquisitive crimes like drug abuse (100%), kidnapping (53%), internet scams (77%), armed robbery (46%), and rape (40%) and that they are being fuelled by youth unemployment, illegal arms, inadequate law enforcement, and political patronage. The study averred that skill development, youth education, improved employability for youth and effective community policing are panaceas for reducing the prevalence of acquisitive crimes and enhancing public safety in Nigeria. Hence, the study recommends the prioritisation of job creation, skill development, entrepreneurship promotions, revitalisation of local industry, agricultural development, investment in industry-aligned youth education, vocational training, and enhancement of community policing towards improving sustainable employment opportunities, economic empowerment, tackling insecurity, and fostering a safer society in Nigeria.