Grace Modupe Odewuyi*
1College of Law, Osun State University, Nigeria
*Corresponding author: gracemodupeodewuyi@gmail.com
Publication History: Received: [01/10/ 2025] | Accepted: [25/ 11/ 2025] | Published: [29/ 11/ 2025]
How to cite: Odewuyi, G. M. ([2025). Crime displacement, urbanization and trade liberalization in Southwest Nigeria: An empirical analysis. International Journal of Scholarly Resources, ISSN: 1234-5678.
Abstract
This study examines the intricate relationship between crime displacement, rapid urbanization, and trade liberalization policies in Southwest Nigeria. Drawing on spatial criminology theories and empirical evidence from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states, the research demonstrates how economic reforms and urban expansion have inadvertently created new opportunities for criminal activities while simultaneously displacing traditional crime patterns. Using panel data from 2010-2023 and spatial analysis techniques, the findings reveal that trade liberalization since the 1980s, coupled with unprecedented urban growth (averaging 4.2% annually), has resulted in both the geographic and tactical displacement of crime, particularly in border towns and rapidly expanding urban centers. The study concludes with policy recommendations for integrated urban planning and security strategies that account for the complex interplay between economic development and crime patterns.
Keywords: Crime displacement, urbanization, trade liberalization, Southwest Nigeria, spatial criminology, border security
Preview
Reference
Adewale, B. A., Aderinto, A. A., & Okunola, R. A. (2020). Urbanization and crime in Nigeria: A theoretical and empirical analysis. African Journal of Criminology and Justice Studies, 13(1), 45-68.
Aderinto, A. A., & Olaoba, O. B. (2020). The political economy of crime in Nigeria: Theoretical perspectives and policy implications. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 22(2), 112-134.
Adeyinka, S. A., Omisore, E. O., & Oloyede, S. A. (2021). Slum settlements and urban insecurity in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 10(3), 234-251.
Ajayi, O. O., & Lawanson, T. O. (2020). Border closure, smuggling and food security in Nigeria. African Development Review, 32(4), 708-720. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8268.12475
Akinola, A. O. (2021). Urban slums and crime in Lagos: A spatial analysis of vulnerability and victimization. African Security Review, 30(2), 167-186. https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2021.1891936
Alemika, E. E. O. (2013). Criminal victimization and fear of crime in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria. In Crime and policing in transitional societies (pp. 45-72). University of Witwatersrand Seminar Series.
Alemika, E. E. O., & Chukwuma, I. C. (2020). Criminal victimization, policing and governance in Nigeria. CLEEN Foundation Monograph Series No. 18.
Andreas, P. (2013). Smuggler nation: How illicit trade made America. Oxford University Press.
Ariel, B., Weinborn, C., & Sherman, L. W. (2016). “Soft” policing at hot spots—do police community support officers work? A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 12(3), 277-317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-016-9260-4
Asongu, S. A., & Kodila-Tedika, O. (2017). Trade, aid and terror. International Journal of Development Issues, 16(1), 2-24. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJDI-09-2016-0051
Bowers, K. J., Johnson, S. D., Guerette, R. T., Summers, L., & Poynton, S. (2011). Spatial displacement and diffusion of benefits among geographically focused policing initiatives: A meta-analytical review. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 7(4), 347-374. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-011-9134-8
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Chainey, S., & Ratcliffe, J. (2013). GIS and crime mapping. John Wiley & Sons.
Guerette, R. T., & Bowers, K. J. (2009). Assessing the extent of crime displacement and diffusion of benefits: A review of situational crime prevention evaluations. Criminology, 47(4), 1331-1368. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-9125.2009.00177.x
Johnson, S. D., Guerette, R. T., & Bowers, K. (2014). Crime displacement: What we know, what we don’t know, and what it means for crime reduction. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 10(4), 549-571. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-014-9209-4
Morka, F. C. (2021). Urban violence and insecurity in Lagos: Consequences and policy responses. Urban Forum, 32(3), 347-363. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12132-021-09425-w
Naím, M. (2005). Illicit: How smugglers, traffickers and copycats are hijacking the global economy. Doubleday.
Nwafor, A. C. (2021). Crime displacement and diffusion of benefits: Evidence from Nigeria. African Journal of Legal Studies, 12(2), 189-208.
Nwanna, C. R., & Uma, K. E. (2019). Trade openness and economic growth in Nigeria: An empirical investigation. International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 9(4), 168-175. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijefi.8279
Obarisiagbon, E. I., & Aderinto, A. A. (2018). The criminology of human trafficking in Nigeria: Root causes and recommendations. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 9(4), 113-124. https://doi.org/10.2478/mjss-2018-0111
Ogundipe, A. A., Ojeaga, P., & Ogundipe, O. M. (2021). Trade openness, urbanization and economic growth in Nigeria. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 12(4), 45-58.
Okeke, V. O. S., & Eme, O. I. (2019). Crime and urbanization in Nigeria: A sociological investigation. International Journal of Social Sciences, 8(3), 78-95.
Okeshola, F. B., & Mudiare, P. E. U. (2013). The nature, causes and consequences of cyber crime in tertiary institutions in Zaria-Kaduna State, Nigeria. American International Journal of Contemporary Research, 3(9), 98-114.
Okunola, R. A., & Aderinto, A. A. (2019). Crime and insecurity in Lagos metropolis: Challenges to sustainable urbanization. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 21(1), 56-78.
Ogunleye, M. B., & Alo, B. I. (2020). Urbanization, environmental degradation and crime in Lagos State, Nigeria. International Journal of Development and Sustainability, 9(2), 89-107.
Onuoha, B. C., & Ezirim, C. (2021). Kidnapping and ransom payment: Economic analysis of criminal behavior in Nigeria. African Security Review, 30(4), 445-463. https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2021.1967892
Reppetto, T. A. (1976). Crime prevention and the displacement phenomenon. Crime & Delinquency, 22(2), 166-177. https://doi.org/10.1177/001112877602200204
Salawu, M. B. (2020). Border closure and smuggling in Nigeria: Implications for economic development. Journal of Borderlands Studies, 35(5), 743-759. https://doi.org/10.1080/08865655.2020.1787191
Salisu, A. A., Ogbonna, A. E., & Lasisi, L. (2022). A new index for measuring trade openness and its impact on economic performance in Nigeria. Economic Change and Restructuring, 55(1), 533-565. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10644-021-09327-2
Shaw, C. R., & McKay, H. D. (1942). Juvenile delinquency and urban areas. University of Chicago Press.
Tade, O., & Aliyu, I. (2011). Social organization of internet fraud among university undergraduates in Nigeria. International Journal of Cyber Criminology, 5(2), 860-875.
Uzochukwu, K., & Kalu, N. (2022). Informal settlements and crime in Nigerian cities: A spatial and socioeconomic analysis. Urban Studies, 59(8), 1678-1695. https://doi.org/10.1177/00420980211015120
Weisburd, D., Groff, E. R., & Yang, S. M. (2012). The criminology of place: Street segments and our understanding of the crime problem. Oxford University Press.