New Robbery Dimensions and Security Measures in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated new robbery dimensions and Nigeria security measures in Calabar metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria. The research addresses contemporary issues related to emerging robbery trends and its socio-economic implications (as a tourism state) on the residents, visitors and tourists. Objectives of the study were to: identify and map areas with prevalence of new robbery dimensions, assess the frequency of occurrence in the area, identify the causes and trend of new robbery dimension in the study. It was hypothesized that there is no significant relationship between proactive response measures and dimensions of new robbery prevention in Calabar Metropolis. Extensive empirical and theoretical literature, were carried out in related areas. Data were sourced through primary and secondary means. While method adopted for primary data source included questionnaire administration on residents, interview with security personnel domicile in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). Private security outfits like Earth Summit, Mabek Security, and Mahathan Security, village heads, shop owners, landlords, religious leaders, taxi/bus drivers were also interviewed and emphasis was given to those who have been victims of new robbery dimension in the area. Secondary sources included review of existing related literature, journal, Newspaper report. Spatial and statistical methods were adopted for data analyses. The study revealed that eight political wards in the two local governments that make up the metropolis were rated very high in terms of new robbery cases. Therefore, it was digitized and map. The study output further revealed among others that apart from phone snatching, car battery, using chemical substance to dissolve glasses and radio theft which are now the new trend, while some armed robbers even off or on generating sets, and put on taps to run of residents at night for the owners to come out, so they can gain entry with ease into the house. It was again discovered that the area plagued with new robbery dimension is inadequately policed. Hence, the study recommends alongside others increase of security presence in the crime ravaged political wards. That there should be more security awareness creation for residents, as well as more neighbourhood relationship and improved community policing in the metropolis to curb these emerging trends.