Rising Crime Among Youth in Niger State Linked to Out-of-School Rates

The Commissioner of Police, Shawulu E. Danmaman, linked the rise in crime rates among teenagers in Niger State to the high number of out-of-school children. In 2024, police arrested 713 crime suspects, rescued 37 kidnapped victims, and detailed a gruesome murder case involving a young girl. Such statistics highlight the urgent need for educational initiatives to mitigate crime among youth.

The Commissioner of Police for Niger State, Mr. Shawulu E. Danmaman, has indicated that the escalating crime rate, particularly among adolescents, is closely linked to the high number of out-of-school children within the region. In a comprehensive report covering the command’s activities throughout the year 2024, it was revealed that police forces apprehended 713 suspects for various serious offenses, including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and automobile theft.

During a briefing in Minna, the state capital, Commissioner Danmaman also detailed the successes achieved by the police, which included the rescue of 37 individuals who had been kidnapped and the confiscation of numerous firearms and ammunition. Additionally, he provided information regarding the suspicious death of Hadiza Umaru, who was reportedly murdered by her younger brother, Habibu Umaru, in conjunction with a local herbalist. The investigation into this case revealed that she was poisoned under the pretense of treatment for so-called “evil spirits,” and her body was subsequently interred in a shallow grave.

Further inquiries into this incident led to the discovery of several additional burial sites in the vicinity, raising concern over the extent of these criminal activities and their impact on community safety.

The issue of out-of-school children has been a persistent challenge in Niger State, where high youth unemployment rates and a lack of educational opportunities have led to increased vulnerability among young people. This situation can create a breeding ground for criminal activities as adolescents may turn to crime as an alternative path. Understanding the correlation between educational neglect and crime can guide policy-makers in implementing effective strategies for crime reduction and youth engagement in the state.

In conclusion, the alarming rise in crime rates among youths in Niger State has been attributed to the significant number of out-of-school children, as articulated by Police Commissioner Shawulu E. Danmaman. The police have undertaken substantial operations leading to the arrest of numerous suspects and the resolution of serious crimes, including kidnapping and homicide. This situation underscores the necessity for state interventions aimed at increasing educational opportunities for children to prevent future criminality.

Original Source: dailytrust.com