THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF BOAT-JACKING ON INLAND WATERWAYS IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study analysed the prevalent threat and challenges of boat-jacking along the inland waterways of the Niger delta region of Nigeria and the study aims to assess the impact of boat-jacking along the inland waterways of the Niger delta, with the objectives to determine the relationship between Boat-Jacking Poor Economy and increase in IWW
crimes. A cross-sectional survey design was employed and with the use of the Krejcie and Morgan table, the size of the known population was determined as 4,130 and the sample size as 897, hence 897 questionnaires was administered using the convenience sampling technique, the results were analysed using the SPSS version 25, The crime of boat-jackings
committed along the inland waterways of the Niger Delta, The findings of the study showed that the independent variables, which is Boat-jacking, has significant relationships with the measures of the dependent variable; socio-economic impact (SEI), which are Poor Economy and Increasing IWW crimes (IIC). It recommends a Synergy amongst relevant
security agencies operating in the region to effectively curb the criminal acts of boatjacking, the establishment of strategic, well-trained Anti-Boat-jacking military quad, with adequate weaponry, funding and mandate to constantly patrol the waterway for rapid response to Boat-jacking crimes and deal decisively with criminals who engage in Boatjacking and robbing of travellers along the waterways and the Nigerian maritime space.