AN ANALYSIS OF CRIME IMPUNITY AND ITS EFFECT ON NATIONAL SECURITY.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

One of the human security issues that humankind faces across the globe is crime. Several countries have struggled to curb soaring rates of murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping, as well as drug trafficking, sex trafficking, illicit weapons trafficking, and a slew of other crimes. In Nigeria, crime is manifested by a convulsive increase in both violent and non-violent crimes (Okechukwu, 2011).

Armed robbery, assassination, and abduction for ransom are now devouring the country like a wave, instilling concerns and anxiety about public safety (Okechukwu, 2011). Nigeria has been on the global crime map since the 1980s, therefore the increase in crime has been constant (Dambazau, 2007) Poverty, bad parental upbringing, and avarice among the kids; get rich fast mindset, and an ineffective crime control model of national security, among other factors, have all contributed to decades of crime. According to Osawe (2015), crime depicts the government's inability to provide a secure and safe environment, stating that "increasingly lethal firepower is likely to cause higher levels of destruction; and that the augmentation of sophisticated weaponry creates a vicious cycle in which competing militias engage in an arms race to gain dominance in capability". Such contests are often violent. There are no crime-free zones in Nigeria. The incidence and mortality rate, however, vary. According to the Nigeria Watch Third Report on Violence in Nigeria (2006-2011), criminality is the second most common source of violence in Nigeria, and it is particularly prevalent in the south, particularly in densely populated cities such as Lagos and Port Harcourt. As a result, it is critical to continue to investigate both violent and nonviolent crimes in Nigeria in order to identify trends and patterns. Given the alarming growth in criminal activities in Nigeria, such as armed robbery, terrorism, and other associated crimes, the environment for lives, properties, and the conduct of economic operations is critical (Osawe, 2015). Scholars and social analysts have identified many reasons of crime. The availability of weaponry in the hands of unlawful users, especially civilians, is one of them, and it promotes crime in Nigeria.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Crime Impunity has for a long time troubled the security and system of justice in Nigeria. Despite how crucial of a challenge it is to National security, it has been overlooked for a long time and crime continues to go unpunished leading to a spike in corruption and all other devious acts in the country. There is little research that has been conducted on this subject matter pertaining to Nigeria, thus, this study will fill the gap as well as provide insight as the urgent need to face and fight against crime impunity in Nigeria as it poses a huge threat to National security.

This study seeks to analyse crime impunity and its effects on National security.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The primary aim of this research is to analyse crime impunity and its effects on National security. Thus, the following research objectives;

1. To determine the extent to which crime impunity exists in Nigeria.

2. To analyse criminal impunity and determine its effects on National security.

3. To recommend means through which crime impunity can be curbed in Nigeria.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

The following research questions guide this study;

1. To what extent does crime impunity exist in Nigeria?

2. With an analysis of criminal impunity, how does it affect National security?

3. What are the recommendations that can be proffered to curb crime impunity in Nigeria?

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be significant as it relates to crime impunity, a major cause of concern to Nigeria’s security. This study will also be helpful as it will be an addition to the academic world as it will provide content on crime impunity in Nigeria and its effects on National security. Also, recommendations to curb the rate of crime impunity in Nigeria will be proffered in this study.

1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study will only cover an analysis of the impunity of crime in Nigeria and its effects on National security.

1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The only limitations the researcher faced during the course of this study was insufficient time to delve deeper on the subject matter.

1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. IMPUNITY: Exemption from penalty, loss, or penalties is what impunity implies. It refers to the failure to bring perpetrators of human rights breaches to justice, which is a denial of the victims' right to justice and remedy under international human rights law.

2. CRIME: An action or omission which constitutes an offence and is punishable by law.

3. SECURITY: The state of being free from danger or threat.