Crime hotspots and its effect on socio-economic activities using Geographical Information System (GIS) in 3 selected local government areas in northern Taraba, Nigeria

Abstract

<p>This study examines crime hotspots in Northern Taraba, Taraba State, Nigeria, using GIS. The prevalence of crime has escalated in Nigeria and Taraba State, especially in the northern region, where Jalingo, the state capital, is situated. The study focused on identifying crime hotspots in Northern Taraba and assessing the socio-economic consequences associated with high crime rates in the study area. The data was acquired from the field and from the Nigerian Police Force. The findings indicate that the most prevalent offenses are theft (20.9%) and thuggery/cultism (12.9%). The study period revealed that the rates of murder (12.5%), armed robbery (10.8%), kidnapping (6.2%), rape (8%), housebreaking (11.4%), false pretense and cheating (9.4%), mischief (4.4%), and the possession of firearms (3.4%). Jalingo exhibited the highest number of criminal incidents over the past decade, with a total of 3105. Ardo-kola followed with 1285 incidents, while Yorro LGA had the lowest record with 547 incidents. The hotspot of criminal activity is mostly focused on the central regions of Jalingo, Yorro, and Ardo-kola. The vulnerabilities to crime in high-density residential neighborhoods stem from several factors, including uneven plot layouts with narrow dirt streets, the existence of marketplaces, a large population, and the lack of police divisions for reporting crimes. The impacts of crime encompassed resource depletion, hindered development, loss of life, insecurity, property destruction, social isolation, and reputational damage. A substantial percentage of participants expressed strong agreement or disagreement regarding the escalation of crime rates in the surveyed region during the past five years. The study recommends the allocation of resources towards combating criminal activities, particularly in the designated areas with high crime rates. It is also imperative for the Nigerian police to meticulously document crime cases, including the precise geographical coordinates of crime incidents, in order to facilitate hotspot research.</p>