Vigilante groups and crime management in the Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria, 1999-2020

Abstract

The increasing rate of crimes across cities and communities in Nigeria has prompted an all-hands- on-deck approach since security from the government and statutory security agencies has become inadequate. Today, the protection of lives and properties has become all-inclusive and participatory as citizens have taken up the responsibility for their common good to protect themselves from anything that may threaten their existence. Hence, the use of vigilante groups as alternative security body has become very popular that their presence is seen in almost cities across Nigeria. This study is qualitative, employing both primary (interviews) and secondary sources and it aims at investigating vigilante groups and crime management in Nigeria with Calabar Metropolis as case study. While community participatory theory serves as theoretical framework, findings of the study reveal that community vigilante groups in Nigeria have contributed immensely to crime prevention and management. However, they also face certain challenges which disrupt their effectiveness and efficiency. The paper thus recommends among other things that Nigerian leadership should give them more recognition as part of the security sector as well as provide adequate funding to support vigilante groups in the dispensation of their duties.