Crime Prevention and the Emergence of Self-Help Security Outfits in South Western Nigeria
Johnson Olusegun Ajayi, Toyin Adefolaju

Abstract
Beyond doubt the role of the Nigeria Police is that of providing effective internal security that is strategically crucial to the survival of democracy and the economy. The task of providing a safer and more secured environment conducive for socio-economic development through crime prevention and control is therefore crucial to any society, there has to be domestic peace, law and order for economic development, and stability of a nation. Armed robbery and other violent crimes had assumed a disturbing dimension in most parts of Nigerian society. The Nigeria Police has also declared War against Crime several times to no avail and inalienable peace is strategically critical to the survival of democracy and the state of the economy. The enlisting of the cooperation and collaboration of stakeholders in crime prevention and control campaign is very crucial for the maintenance of law and order but it is somewhat disturbing that the police have not adequately performed the task of keeping the society safe in Nigeria. Instead they have been a terror to the general public whereas they are overwhelmed by the activities of criminals. This has led to incessant crime wave particularly in the south western Nigeria resulting into agitations and the intervention of private self - help elemental organizations in crime prevention and control.

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