Urban Security Profile: A Study of the Dimensions and Characteristics of Crime in Minna, Niger State

Abstract

Human settlements of the 21st century face a lot of security challenges that threaten their liveability and sustainability. Thus issues of security of lives and properties most especially in the urban centre are at the stage of global development concerns. This study examines the profile of crime in minna with respects to to their major types of crime and their variations in time and space. Among others, it was found out that the types of crime in the town include armed reobbery, assault attempt to commit crime, cheating, theft, rape and intimidation. Analysis of crime dynamics over the eight-year period shows fluctuations in the number or rate of crime committed between year 200 and 2008. The age bracket of those involved in criminal activities is between 18 and 45 (adolescents and adults) and the mean age of criminals is 28.96. It was also found out that relatively higher incidence of crime was recorded in low quality neighbourhoods where most of the low income people reside. The study thus recommends programmes of gainful employment, poverty alleviation and urban renewal in order to stem the tide of crime in the towns