Impact of Socioeconomic Background of the Niger Delta Militants on Environmental Degradation

Abstract

Niger delta region is one of the most environmental impacted region in Nigeria. This is due to the activities of oil pipeline vitalization activities by the Niger delta militants in the region. To a great level, environmental degradation caused by the militant youths in the region constitutes a serious problem. It is against this background that researcher tries to find out the relationship between the educational levels of the militants, their environmental awareness and it effects on oil pipeline vandalism in the region. The study employed descriptive statistics to analyze to the data collected from 300 responded. The study found that, majority of the militants are young men; significant number of them are educated; majority number of the militants are aware of the negative environmental impact of vandalism. The study recommended the need for federal government amnesty program to be more inclusive and the need for government to promote employment opportunities among the youth in the region. Equally, to enforce environmental laws to protect the environment. Keywords: Socioeconomic, Militancy, and Environmental Degradation.