PROBLEMS IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA: THEORETICAL AND CRIMESTRATEGIC OPTIONS FOR CURBING THE MENACE

Abstract

The Crime situation in present day Nigeria has various levels of overwhelming impacts on the system and is often looked at as new norm, accepted and built into society. This paper, with the north central and particularly Benue state in view, presents a deep look at crime through sociological theories in today’s Nigeria. It also provides an analytical stance on selected crime problems in the in tune with government approaches through policies and legislations. The
paper posits that an adequate and appropriate understanding of different crime theories is vital for effective, proactive and reactive responses to crime problems in contemporary Nigeria. It is
thus of the view that the responses so far are not adequate from the lack of theoretical understanding. It is subsequently recommended that the policy making structure of the country bothering on crime needs to go back to the strategy drawing board and advance knowledge on
crime theories to enable them fashion out very adequate and appropriate policies, legislations and Judicial responses to Nigeria’s crime problems. Also, Nigeria can do well if she does not only evolve sweet and catchy slogans for programs but strategically ensures the execution of such programs as enshrined in World best practices from other jurisdictions in attempt to curbing crime problems considering that the present attempts have fallen short and inadequate.