GROOMING POTENTIAL CRIMINALS FROM THE IDP CAMPS IN NORTH-EAST NIGERIA: MATTER ARISING

Abstract

The phenomenon of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is significantly prevalent in North-East Nigeria, where socio-economic challenges and security issues have escalated owing to prolonged conflicts. This study was designed to x-ray the factors contributing to criminal grooming within IDP populations, and explore the socio-economic implications of displacement-related crimes in Bauchi State. The research employed Routine Activity Theory to understand the environmental factors that facilitate crime among IDPs. The study used multistage sample technique to select the participant. A survey was conducted with 320 respondents, including IDPs and stakeholders in IDP management, to gather insight on the conditions that aggrandize criminal tendency. The results indicated that unemployment and inadequate educational opportunities, inter Alia, could be perceived as significant facilitators of criminal grooming. By virtue of these findings, it has been highlighted that crime within IDP camps worsens economic conditions, exacerbates poverty, and fosters social tensions with host communities. The study concluded with recommendations for policy interventions, including job creation programs, improved healthcare access, and enhanced camp security. These measures, if adequately met, would go a long way in tackling the root cause of criminal grooming in this part of the world.