Crime Precipitators

Abstract

Numerous studies have speculated on the cause of higher crime rates in urban centres. In general, urban criminologists have conceptualised criminogenic behaviour as a rational decision made, taking into account the expected benefits compared to the expected costs. This chapter presents two types of analysis. First, the chapter discuss results from a macro-analysis of risk factors for urban crime, using data related to human development and social polarisation. This is followed by a deep-dive analysis of some of the drivers of crime in Nigerian urban centres. Much of this chapter is based on first-hand information derived from field investigations conducted across major Nigerian cities. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, poor parental upbringing and manipulation by politicians contribute to the involvement of young people in criminal activities in Nigeria.